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Lillard Cites Nostalgia, Announces Ghostface Role and Drama

4/28/2026

Summary

Lillard Embraces Nostalgia

Matthew Lillard said nostalgia drives comeback on the Phase Hero podcast, referencing his starring roles in Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023), its sequel (2025) and Scream 7 (2026).
Matthew Lillard announced work including the drama Behemoth! and a role as Ghostface in Scariest House in America (2025).
Matthew Lillard quipped that nobody likes him, noting audiences only miss the old times, after director Quentin Tarantino’s jab that drew actor George Clooney’s support.

Summary

Lillard on Nostalgia

Matthew Lillard said on the Phase Hero podcast that his resurgence reflects a broader Hollywood nostalgia wave.
He noted the original Scooby-Doo films are now more popular than at release, driving studios to re-hire actors from beloved franchises.
Lillard admitted he once chased fame but reassessed that mindset after a box-office flop, showing podcasts as platforms for actors to comment on market trends.

History

Historical Context

In May 1994, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction premiered at Cannes, won the Palme d’Or and earned $213 million worldwide, reviving 1970s grind-house aesthetics. Its indie-box-office breakthrough cemented Miramax as a powerhouse and caught the attention of studios such as Warner Bros. That legacy fuels today’s podcast-driven push to re-hire still retro talent.

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Lillard Embraces Nostalgia

Matthew Lillard said nostalgia drives comeback on the Phase Hero podcast, referencing his starring roles in Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023), its sequel (2025) and Scream 7 (2026).
Matthew Lillard announced work including the drama Behemoth! and a role as Ghostface in Scariest House in America (2025).
Matthew Lillard quipped that nobody likes him, noting audiences only miss the old times, after director Quentin Tarantino’s jab that drew actor George Clooney’s support.

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