Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 EXCLUSIVE: Matthew Lillard dishes on playing villain and taking criticism from fans

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Get ready for another scare! The sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s arrives this week. We recently spoke with a star of the film to learn how the story continues. The movie features both new faces – including Skeet Ulrich, Wayne Knight, McKenna Grace, and Teo Briones – and returning cast members Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, and Matthew Lillard.

Matthew Lillard is back as William Afton in the world of Five Nights at Freddy’s. Afton created Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and the spooky animatronics inside. He’s also the father of Vanessa, who is unaware of the dark secrets of her father’s history. Lillard discussed returning to play the villain, explaining it’s a role that suits him perfectly, and shared that the filmmakers listened to fan feedback after the first movie was released.

Emma Tammi reveals feelings on Matthew Lillard reprising his role

Director Emma Tammi especially enjoyed working with the actor reprising his role, calling his scenes a turning point for everyone involved – instantly boosting the energy and quality of the day. She also explained that this version of the character offers a fresh perspective compared to the first film, and hinted at an exciting and innovative way his story will unfold in the sequel.

The actor was excited to return to the series, seeing it as a chance to really delve into the complexities of his character. He explained, “It’s always more fun playing the bad guy! While it’s great to be the hero, there’s something really satisfying about fully embracing a villain – someone with bad intentions. It’s a unique experience, especially considering how much effort we usually put into being good people in our everyday lives.”

Matthew Lillard on coming back into the shoes of William Afton

While William Afton isn’t a fan favorite, audiences are very eager to see what happens with his character. Actor Lillard explained that the biggest challenge is meeting fans’ expectations. He feels a strong responsibility to the dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase of Scott Cawthon’s games and wants to deliver something they’ll enjoy.

Matthew Lillard on Five Nights at Freddy’s fans’ constructive assessment

Following the success of the first movie in 2023, fans shared what they wanted to see in future installments. Now, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 delivers on those requests with a thrilling new experience. The filmmakers listened to the audience’s feedback – they wanted more action, suspense, and character development – and responded. As one source noted, this sequel is fast-paced, intense, and gives fans exactly what they’ve been hoping for.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is all set for its premiere on December 5 across global theaters.

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2025-12-04 15:53