‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Star Matthew Lillard Discusses Nostalgia Behind His Comeback

Actor Matthew Lillard has shared his thoughts on the resurgence of his career in Hollywood, attributing it not solely to his talent but largely to nostalgia and the audience’s desire to revisit the past.

During an appearance on the “Phase Hero” podcast, Lillard noted that older projects, such as the “Scooby-Doo” films, are now receiving more attention than they did upon their initial release. He suggested that this trend is influencing current Hollywood practices.

“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 remarked. He believes this nostalgia may be a factor in his recent casting, as many fans fondly remember his work from that era.

He humorously reflected on his current standing in the industry, 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 previously discussed the shifts in his career following early successes. In a 2024 interview with Business Insider, he mentioned that he had anticipated his role in “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” would lead to more significant opportunities, but the film’s underwhelming box office performance took his career in a different direction.

He acknowledged that he once pursued fame and success without considering the long-term implications. Lillard experienced various phases throughout his career, including periods of uncertainty and slow work.

His recent return to prominent Hollywood roles began in 2023 when he portrayed William Afton in “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Since then, he has appeared in several films and series, including “The Life of Chuck,” “Scream 7,” and “Daredevil: Born Again.” He also has upcoming roles in new projects like Mike Flanagan’s “Carrie” series and the film “Behemoth!” directed by Tony Gilroy.

Lillard’s insights highlight a straightforward concept: actors often find themselves back in the limelight not due to a sudden change in their careers, but because audiences reconnect with their earlier work. This also illustrates how Hollywood frequently cycles through familiar faces.

What are your thoughts on the idea of nostalgia influencing careers in Hollywood? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.