7 Iconic Matthew Lillard Roles for His 2025 Comeback
He's back! From Scream's Stu Macher to FNAF's Afton, we break down 7 iconic Matthew Lillard roles that prove his 2025 comeback is well-deserved.
Ethan Carter
Film critic and '90s nostalgia expert with a passion for character actors.
There's a certain kind of electricity that follows Matthew Lillard. It’s a chaotic, kinetic energy that made him a magnetic presence in the '90s and has, in a wonderful turn of events, sparked a full-blown career renaissance. The “Lillard-aissance,” as fans have lovingly dubbed it, isn't just happening—it’s here. Fueled by his triumphant return to horror in Five Nights at Freddy's and a groundswell of appreciation from a generation that grew up with him, 2025 is shaping up to be his year.
But this comeback isn't out of nowhere. It's built on a foundation of wildly diverse and unforgettable roles. Lillard has never been just one thing; he's the goofy best friend, the terrifying killer, the punk rock philosopher, and the lovable doofus. To truly appreciate where he's going, we need to celebrate where he's been. So, grab your Scooby Snacks and let's dive into the seven iconic roles that prove Matthew Lillard has always been a star, and why his 2025 comeback is so richly deserved.
1. Stu Macher in Scream (1996)
Let's start with the role that burned itself into the psyche of every '90s teen. As Stu Macher, one-half of the original Ghostface duo, Lillard didn't just play a villain; he created an archetype. His performance is a masterclass in unhinged, darkly comedic chaos. While Billy was the brooding mastermind, Stu was the gleeful, goofy, and utterly terrifying wildcard.
Who can forget his lanky, flailing limbs as he chases Sidney through the house, or his whiny, blood-soaked confession? "My mom and dad are gonna be so mad at me!" It’s a line that’s funny, pathetic, and chilling all at once. Lillard’s performance is so brilliantly over-the-top that it perfectly balances the film's satirical edge with genuine menace. It’s the role that proved he could be both hilarious and horrifying in the same breath, a skill that would define his career.
"Peer pressure. I'm far too sensitive."
2. Shaggy Rogers in Scooby-Doo (2002)
If Stu Macher was lightning in a bottle, Shaggy Rogers was destiny. It's rare that an actor embodies a beloved cartoon character so perfectly that they become inseparable from the role, but that's exactly what Lillard did. He captured Shaggy's gangly walk, his cracking voice, and his insatiable appetite with uncanny accuracy. It wasn't an impression; it was a complete inhabitation.
More than just the voice, Lillard brought a real heart to Shaggy. His friendship with Scooby felt genuine, and his moments of surprising bravery were all the more impactful because of his constant, relatable fear. The performance was so definitive that he seamlessly transitioned into voicing Shaggy for the animated series and films, carrying the torch for over a decade. For an entire generation, Matthew Lillard is Shaggy, and that's the highest compliment you can pay.
3. Stevo in SLC Punk! (1998)
Tucked between his more mainstream hits is SLC Punk!, a cult classic that showcases Lillard’s incredible dramatic range. As Stevo, a blue-haired punk anarchist navigating the conservative landscape of Salt Lake City, Lillard is a force of nature. He's a charismatic, fourth-wall-breaking narrator, a furious ball of energy, and a deeply vulnerable young man grappling with his identity.
The film rests entirely on his shoulders, and he carries it with a raw, electric performance. He delivers passionate monologues on anarchy and conformity with the same conviction he brings to the film's devastating final act. Stevo proved Lillard was more than just a comedic sidekick or a horror villain; he was a compelling leading man with serious dramatic chops.
A Quick Look at His Versatility
Just look at these first three roles. It's a testament to his incredible range that the same actor could so convincingly play these three vastly different characters within just a few years.
| Role | Genre | Key Trait | Iconic Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stu Macher | Horror / Satire | Unhinged Menace | "I'm feeling a little woozy here!" |
| Shaggy Rogers | Family / Comedy | Lovable Cowardice | "Like, zoinks!" |
| Stevo | Drama / Comedy | Philosophical Anarchy | "Only posers die, you fucking idiot!" |
4. Brock Hudson in She's All That (1999)
In the pantheon of '90s teen movie jerks, Brock Hudson is king. A preening, self-obsessed reality TV star from The Real World, Brock is a pitch-perfect parody of late-90s celebrity culture. Lillard steals every scene he's in, whether he's practicing his "prom-posal" in the mirror or performing an exquisitely terrible dance number at the prom.
It's a purely comedic role, and Lillard leans into the absurdity with absolute commitment. He’s not just a generic antagonist; he's a specific, hilarious brand of himbo that could only exist in 1999. It’s a role that showcases his impeccable timing and his fearlessness in looking completely ridiculous for the sake of a laugh.
5. Dean Boland in Good Girls (2018-2021)
Jumping forward two decades, Lillard’s role as Dean Boland in the criminally underrated series Good Girls showed a whole new side of the actor. Dean is a complex character: a cheating husband, a terrible businessman, and a man who is constantly out of his depth. Yet, Lillard infuses him with a pathetic charm that makes you root for him even when you know you shouldn't.
He's no longer the hyper-kinetic youth. This is a more grounded, mature performance. Lillard expertly portrays a man whose swagger is just a fragile cover for his deep-seated insecurities. His chemistry with Christina Hendricks (as his wife, Beth) is the messy, complicated heart of the show. Dean proved that Lillard had gracefully evolved, capable of delivering nuanced, long-form character work that kept audiences hooked for seasons.
6. Emmanuel “Cereal Killer” Goldstein in Hackers (1995)
Before Scream, there was Hackers. As the wild-eyed, pigtail-wearing Cereal Killer, Lillard gave us one of his earliest and most memorable high-energy performances. He’s the comic relief in a film already brimming with style, bouncing off the walls with a contagious, goofy intensity.
Though a supporting character, he’s unforgettable. He’s the embodiment of early, optimistic internet culture—a little weird, fiercely loyal, and buzzing with potential. It’s a snapshot of the raw talent and manic energy that would soon make him a household name. Crash and burn!
7. William Afton in Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
And now we come to the role that lit the fuse for the Lillard-aissance. On the surface, career counselor Steve Raglan is unassuming. But when the third-act reveal hits, and Lillard transforms into the sinister child-killer William Afton, it’s a full-circle moment. The manic, terrifying energy of Stu Macher is back, but it's older, colder, and more menacing.
His chilling line, "I always come back," isn't just a threat from Afton; it feels like a promise from Lillard himself. He brought gravitas and a genuinely unsettling presence to a film that could have been simple fan service. Instead, he created a new iconic horror villain for a new generation, and with the sequel all but confirmed for a 2025 release, it’s the perfect vehicle for his much-anticipated comeback.
The Best is Yet to Come
From teenage slasher to punk rock poet, from cartoon icon to suburban schmuck, Matthew Lillard's career is a vibrant tapestry of memorable characters. He has consistently delivered performances that are bold, committed, and infused with a unique energy that is entirely his own. He's an actor who has earned the love of his fans not just through nostalgia, but through decades of fantastic work.
The success of Five Nights at Freddy's isn't the start of a comeback; it's the culmination of one. It's the moment the rest of the world finally caught up to what true fans have known all along: Matthew Lillard has always been here, and he's more than ready for his next act. Bring on 2025.