Matthew Lillard on His Love of Gaming, From Arcades to ‘EA Sports FC’
Matthew Lillard, known for his roles in Scream and Scooby-Doo, has become a popular figure among video game fans thanks to his portrayal of William Afton in both Five Nights at Freddy’s films. His connection to the franchise extends beyond acting, rooted in a lifelong passion for gaming.
A Lifelong Gamer
In a recent interview with Polygon, Lillard discussed his history with video games, noting he witnessed the medium’s evolution from its early days. “I am a product of video games,” he said, recalling the era of Pong and early arcade titles. He fondly remembers playing Donkey Kong at a local pizzeria as a child, describing it as a “privilege” to access.
Favorite Games: From Arcades to Sports Sims
Lillard revealed a diverse range of gaming preferences. Although he doesn’t gravitate towards horror titles, he shares a love of gaming with his son, particularly enjoying shooter games. He also expressed a dedicated fondness for the EA Sports FC series (formerly known as FIFA), stating, “I have bought all the versions. It is the only thing I buy every year.” He emphasized the importance of video games in connecting with family and friends, especially during the pandemic.
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ and a Scream Reunion
Lillard’s involvement in the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise has been well-received by fans. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, which reunited him with his Scream co-star Skeet Ulrich, grossed $238.4 million worldwide.
The Future of the Franchise
While critical reception to the Five Nights at Freddy’s films has been mixed, their box office success suggests a continued future for the franchise. Lillard has hinted that Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 is likely to happen, given the commercial performance of the second installment. The sequel saw the return of Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt, with Elizabeth Lail and Piper Rubio reprising their roles as Vanessa Shelly and Abby, respectively.
Scott Cawthon, the creator of the Five Nights at Freddy’s game series and director Emma Tammi, listened to fan feedback when creating the sequel.