Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich's friendship has a 'deep' bond

Nearly 30 years after portraying the infamous Ghostface killers Stu Macher and Billy Loomis in the original 1996 Scream film, Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich are teaming up once again. The pair stars in Five Nights at Freddy's 2, the sequel to the popular video game adaptation featuring haunted animatronics. Lillard, 55, reprises his role as the violent serial killer William Afton, while Ulrich joins as Henry, a new character connected to Afton's past.

Although this might seem like a reunion, the actors have remained close over the years through horror convention appearances. "I see him more than I see my high school friends," Lillard shares. "We're constantly in touch."

Reflecting on their friendship, Lillard notes that while they were friends in their 20s during Scream, their connection now has "a different depth." "We've both been surprised at how close we remain after all these years," he says. Lillard emphasizes their bond extends beyond casual hangouts. "Watching him raise his children as a single dad, talking openly about mental health, and navigating this unpredictable industry together has created a camaraderie unlike anything else in my career."

Five Nights at Freddy's 2 continues the story one year after the first film, which ended with Lillard's character revealed as the true villain. In the sequel, Afton appears through dream sequences and flashbacks while his daughter Vanessa, played by Elizabeth Lail, grapples with her traumatic past.

Although screen time for Lillard and Ulrich in this movie is limited, Lillard teases more opportunities for their characters in future installments. "If you're familiar with the games, you know there's plenty more ahead for us in a potential third film," he remarks. "Both of us are genuinely excited."

Lillard is also experiencing a career resurgence, calling this phase "Matthew Lillard 2.0." His recent projects include Five Nights at Freddy's, Mike Flanagan's The Life of Chuck, Scream 7, a new Carrie TV adaptation, the film Behemoth!, and Daredevil: Born Again Season 2. Reflecting on the ups and downs of his career, he describes this revival as a "beautiful gift," acknowledging both past struggles and present opportunities.

Lillard credits his recent momentum partly to the lasting popularity of his portrayal of Shaggy in the live-action Scooby-Doo films. "A generation of Hollywood executives grew up watching 'Scooby-Doo' repeatedly," he jokes, suggesting nostalgia has helped open doors.

In February, Lillard will return to the franchise that made him a household name with Scream 7. Having long advocated for the return of his character, Stu Macher, he recalls feeling both excitement and anxiety. "If the movie fails, it could tarnish the legacy of my first performance, but I remain hopeful fans will enjoy what I did," he says.

As for reprising Shaggy in a live-action format, Lillard seems doubtful. "I'm almost 60 years old," he notes. "While I will continue voicing Shaggy in animation, a live-action return seems unlikely."

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• Horror icons Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich's friendship runs 'deep'