Matthew Lillard reveals how nostalgia for Scooby-Doo and Scream revived his career, leading to new Hollywood opportunities.
- April 28, 2026
AceShowbiz - Matthew Lillard recently shared insights on how nostalgia has reignited his career in film during an appearance on the Phase Hero podcast. He highlighted the renewed popularity of movies like Scooby-Doo and Scream, explaining that this wave of fondness for past hits has reopened doors for him professionally.
Lillard pointed out that the original Scooby-Doo films from 2002 and 2004 enjoy greater popularity now than when they were first released. According to him, this nostalgic trend reflects a broader cultural longing for "ye olde times," which has positively impacted his career opportunities. He remarked, "I think that's one of the reasons I'm having this moment to be honest, is because I was identified in that moment, so people are hiring me again."
The Scooby-Doo movie has since become a cult classic, and Lillard hinted that he might return to his iconic role as Shaggy in an upcoming animated project that revives the beloved franchise. This suggests that the nostalgia factor is not only sustaining interest in his past work but also paving the way for new creative endeavors.
Since 2023, Lillard has taken on roles in several high-profile projects, including Five Nights at Freddy's, Scream 7, and Daredevil: Born Again. Despite this resurgence, he modestly downplayed the enthusiasm for his presence on screen, joking that people might not necessarily be fans of him personally, but rather are drawn by their affection for the past.
In his own words, "I think that's why I'm working. I don't think anyone really likes me. They just miss the old times." Nonetheless, his fans eagerly anticipate seeing him again, demonstrating how nostalgia continues to play a powerful role in shaping careers and audience engagement in Hollywood.