The highly anticipated sequel, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, has hit theaters, bringing together two renowned figures from the ‘90s horror scene. Actor Matthew Lillard returns to portray the notorious William Afton, a serial killer associated with the animatronics that haunted the first film. Although Lillard’s role is more subdued in this installment, he shares the screen with fellow horror veteran Skeet Ulrich, who plays Henry, a character intricately connected to Afton’s dark legacy.
Ulrich’s character is revealed to be the father of one of Afton’s early victims and also his former business partner in founding Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. This key detail remains undisclosed until the film’s credits, hinting at potential developments in a third installment of the series. While Ulrich’s character does not appear in the original video games, his performance in the film has been noted as a highlight, especially amidst mixed reviews for the movie itself.
Both actors share a rich history, having previously starred together in the iconic slasher film, Scream. Their friendship has endured over the years, with Lillard stating, “I see him all the time. We do conventions a bunch every year, so when we go away on those weekends, we eat every meal together.” Despite their close bond, the two do not share any scenes in this film, as Lillard’s Afton mainly appears in dream sequences.
Looking towards the future, Lillard expresses optimism for a third film, which he believes will delve deeper into the complex relationship between their characters. He remarked, “If this weekend goes the way we’re all hoping it goes, they’ll do a third film. And I think that relationship really plays out in a really powerful way in the third film.”
Lillard emphasized the significance of participating in projects adapted from beloved video game franchises. “The good news about Skeet and I is that we both care deeply about fandoms,” he noted, highlighting their commitment to engaging with fans of both the Scream and Five Nights at Freddy’s communities.
For Lillard, stepping into the shoes of Afton carries a unique pressure, as the character has developed a significant following over the years. “To deliver in a way that people, for the most part, were happy with the performance, and then be welcomed and celebrated in that community, is awesome,” he stated.
As Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 continues to play in theaters, anticipation grows for potential future projects. Lillard is ready for whatever comes next in his journey with this iconic character, calling the opportunity to portray Afton “a gift.”
The film is now showing in theaters globally, and fans eagerly await news of the franchise’s next steps.
