Matthew Lillard Recalls Thinking His Career Was Over After Scooby-Doo 2 Flopped

Matthew Lillard Recalls Thinking His Career Was Over After Scooby-Doo 2 Flopped

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for cinema and its intricate relationship with our favorite characters, I find myself deeply moved by the journey of Matthew Lillard. His career, much like a rollercoaster ride, has seen its fair share of ups and downs, twists and turns. The live-action Scooby Doo movie holds a special place in my heart, and to see its sequel, Monsters Unleashed, not meet the same success, was disheartening.


Often, the initial film in a series can be followed by another that doesn’t quite live up to the original’s quality. This decline might stem from a lack of the same magic or weaker writing compared to the first. Fans are often apprehensive about sequels due to this trend. Actors like Matthew Lillard may hope that the success of a franchise will boost their career, but when a sequel fails, there’s a fear it could signal the end of their career trajectory.

The 2002 live-action film titled “Scooby Doo” has earned a reputation as a beloved cult classic among many fans of the detective team. After its triumph, it was announced that a follow-up movie, named “Monsters Unleashed,” was in the works. In an interview with Business Insider, Matthew Lillard, who starred in Scream, discussed the potential impact of “Monsters Unleashed” on his career. He expressed:

Initially, I had envisioned myself being the top billing for the following decade’s worth of films. However, the actual outcome turned out to be quite different.

During this period, Lilland expressed that he was highly influenced by the public’s opinions. He yearned for validation to establish himself as a talented and renowned actor. However, when Monsters Unleashed failed and opportunities diminished, Lillard found himself grappling with challenging decisions.

He pondered over the direction of his professional journey, considering where it stands now and where it might lead. In response to the proposal for him to join Dancing with the Stars, Lillard expressed his thoughts on this opportunity:

Initially, I had planned to participate in Dancing With the Stars. But then I thought, if I join Dancing With the Stars, I’ll never have a chance at winning an Academy Award. By doing Dancing With the Stars, I would become famous, but not necessarily a great actor, and my true desire was always to excel as an actor. So, I told my agent, “I just want to be an actor. I want to be in movies. I want to adjust my aspirations.

After undergoing a drastic change and simplifying his lifestyle, he aimed for a fresh start, reconnecting with less extravagant beginnings. Interestingly enough, his career trajectory didn’t stop there; Damon Wayans Jr., as we recognize him, later starred in the live-action movie adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy’s from Blumhouse as William Afton.

His musical output spans a wide range, with the “Scream” actor frequently switching roles throughout his career. When reflecting on his entire body of work, Lillard characterizes it in this way:

I’ve experienced periods of prosperity and hardship. At times, I felt out of touch and believed my career was at a standstill.

Lilliard didn’t get an offer for the animated film “Scoob!”, which he found unfortunate. Instead, he’s busy shooting the follow-up to “Five Nights at Freddy’s”, where he reprises his character William Afton. Joining the first movie was a risky move for him, and taking on the sequel appears to be just as bold a step. The release date for this project is scheduled for December 2025.

As the release of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 approaches, if you’re seeking methods to watch both the live-action and animated versions of the Scooby Doo films, we have all the information you need!

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2024-11-02 02:37