"Scream" stars Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich reunite for "Five Nights at Freddy's 2": 'A fortunate reunion'

Nearly three decades after their iconic roles as Stu Macher and Billy Loomis in 1996s Scream, Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich are sharing the screen once more in Five Nights at Freddy's 2. This marks their first collaboration outside the Ghostface-centered franchise.

Lillard returns as William Afton, the notorious child murderer and creator of Freddy Fazbears haunted animatronics. Ulrich joins as Henry, a character shrouded in mystery but familiar to fans of the series. The film, PG-13 and inspired by the popular video games, recently premiered in Los Angeles.

In a conversation ahead of the premiere, the actors reflected on why it took so long to reunite, past projects that nearly brought them together, and their viral "First Husbands of Horror" nickname.

Skeet Ulrich: "We just never had the right project to do together until now. Its truly a blessing to finally be on set with him again."

Matthew Lillard: "Its rare to get to collaborate with close friends in this business. Fortunately, Scott Cawthon saw the potential of pairing us. Hopefully, a third film will explore our characters relationship even more."

Ulrich mentioned that prior opportunities, such as Summer Catch, didnt work out, while Lillard recalled directing Fat Kid Rules the World in 2012 as a time he could choose collaboratorsbut Ulrich wasnt cast.

The actors also discussed the influence their original horror roles have on younger filmmakers. Lillard noted that while neither sees themselves as iconic, the industry and fans often treat them as such. Ulrich added humorously that it would be even better if that recognition came with a bigger paycheck.

Regarding their "First Husbands of Horror" moment, both actors acknowledged the nicknames viral success and the way fans have embraced it. Lillard emphasized how the recognition can resonate positively, especially for younger fans who see themselves reflected in the characters.

Ulrich observed that horror conventions, often thought to attract only die-hard fans, have become family-friendly spaces, fostering connections across generationsparalleling the family appeal of the Five Nights films.

On the sequels success, Lillard credited Cawthon for understanding the fan base and creating a movie specifically for them. Ulrich noted the excitement at conventions and online, highlighting the intense engagement of the fandom. While the two actors have limited shared screen time in the sequel, they hinted that the story sets the stage for future interactions.

Matthew Lillard: "The film is faster, more thrilling, and packed with lore. Fans are in for a wild ride."

Skeet Ulrich: "Expect plenty of jump scares. Its going to be an experience fans will never forget."

Author: Aiden Foster