Matthew Lillard Credits Nostalgia for Career Comeback, Says Renewed Love for ‘Scooby-Doo’ and Familiar Franchises Is Driving His Hollywood Resurgence

Matthew Lillard says nostalgia is helping fuel his recent comeback in Hollywood.

Speaking on the “Phase Hero” podcast, the actor said he believes renewed interest in older films and franchises is bringing him back into the spotlight. He pointed to the growing popularity of the live-action “Scooby-Doo” movies, in which he played Shaggy.

“‘Scooby-Doo’ one and two are more popular now than they ever were when they came out,” Lillard said. “I think there’s a weird nostalgia thing happening. People are longing for older times, and that’s part of why I’m having this moment.”

He added jokingly, “I don’t think anyone really likes me. They just miss the old times.”

Lillard’s career has had ups and downs over the years. In a 2024 interview with Business Insider, he said he expected major opportunities after “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” Instead, the film underperformed, and his career slowed down.

“I thought I’d be No. 1 on the call sheet for the next 10 years,” he said. “But the exact opposite happened.”

He said that period forced him to rethink his priorities. “I was caught up in success and fame,” Lillard said. “I’ve had good patches and bad patches. There were times I thought I’d never work again.”

His recent resurgence began in 2023 with his role as William Afton in the hit horror film “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Since then, he has taken on more roles, marking a steady return to mainstream attention.