‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Star Matthew Lillard Says Nostalgia Is Behind His Hollywood Comeback: “That’s Why I’m Getting Work Again”
Actor Matthew Lillard has spoken about his recent return to steady Hollywood roles, saying that nostalgia may be a key reason behind it.
In a recent appearance on the “Phase Hero” podcast, Lillard explained that older films, especially the “Scooby-Doo” movies, are now finding a new wave of popularity with audiences. He said this renewed interest in past projects is influencing what kinds of actors are being hired today.
He pointed out that the “Scooby-Doo” films were not as big at the time of release as they are now. According to him, people today seem more interested in revisiting familiar characters and eras from earlier pop culture.
“’Scooby-Doo’ one and two are more popular now than they ever were when they came out. So I do think there’s a weird nostalgia thing happening in our industry and in the zeitgeist because I think that people are longing for ye olde times,” Lillard said. He added that this trend may also explain why he is getting more roles again.
He also made a more personal comment about his place in Hollywood, saying, “I think that’s why I’m working. I don’t think anyone really likes me. They just miss the old times.”
Lillard has been open in the past about the ups and downs of his acting career. In a 2024 interview with Business Insider, he reflected on his time after playing Shaggy in “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” He said he once believed that role would lead to long-term success, but that did not happen after the movie underperformed.
He admitted that early in his career, he focused heavily on fame and success, without fully understanding how unpredictable the industry could be. He also said he has gone through periods where work was scarce and uncertainty was high.
His career saw a major shift in 2023 when he returned to a well-known role in “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” which brought him back into mainstream attention. Since then, he has taken on more projects, including “The Life of Chuck,” “Scream 7,” “Daredevil: Born Again,” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.”
He is also set to appear in upcoming projects like Mike Flanagan’s “Carrie” series and the film “Behemoth!” directed by Tony Gilroy.
Lillard’s comments highlight how Hollywood often cycles through familiar faces and past eras of entertainment. It also shows how audience nostalgia can shape who gets new opportunities in the industry.
What do you think about actors making comebacks based on nostalgia? Share your thoughts in the comments.