Matthew Lillard Does Scooby-Doo & FNAF Crossover to Announce Five Nights at Freddy's 2 Release Date

Summary

Matthew Lillard thrilled fans by combining his iconic roles in a crossover post, teasing the return of William Afton in
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
.
Lillard’s three-picture deal with Blumhouse & Universal confirms his involvement in the FNAF series, promising more eerie thrills ahead.
The actor’s commitment to expanding the lore of
Five Nights at Freddy’s
hints at answers to long-held mysteries, drawing in a diverse audience.

Matthew Lillard has found a unique way to commemorate the announcement of the release date for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. The actor celebrated the sequel’s upcoming release by bringing together two of his most memorable roles in an intriguing crossover.

In the shared Instagram post, Lillard is seen donning his Springtrap costume from Five Nights at Freddy’s, although he chose to leave the mask off for this special occasion. Alongside him is a puppet version of Scooby from the live-action Scooby-Doo films, where Lillard famously portrayed Shaggy. His caption, “December 2025. I ALWAYS COME BACK,” hinting at the return of his character while giving a nod at the enduring appeal of his diverse filmography.

The post quickly captured the attention of fans and fellow celebrities. Skeet Ulrich, who starred with Lillard in Scream, praised him as “an icon,” while Seth Green excitedly demanded, “GIVE THIS TO ME.” The fan response was overwhelmingly positive, with comments ranging from calling the crossover “utterly iconic” to playfully suggesting “Five Nights at Spooky Island” as a potential mashup.

Lillard has once again stepped into the eerie world of Five Nights at Freddy’s with the upcoming sequel, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. While specific plot details remain shrouded in mystery, it’s confirmed that Lillard will reprise his role as the cunning William Afton, the antagonist whose presence loomed large in the franchise’s first film.

This creative fusion of characters showcases Lillard’s ability to bridge different genres and eras, appealing to a broad audience that spans from horror enthusiasts to those nostalgic for early 2000s comedy.

Matthew Lillard Confirms Multi-Film Deal with Five Nights at Freddy’s Series

In a recent development, Lillard revealed that he had inked a three-picture deal with Blumhouse and Universal for the Five Nights at Freddy’s series. This commitment signals his return in the second installment and also indicates his potential involvement in a third, should it materialize. His recurrent catchphrase in the series, “I always come back!” has become something of a signature, mirroring his character’s relentless nature.

In an interview with Collider, Lillard expressed his excitement for the franchise’s future, saying:

The expectation is that they will be making more, and in success, they’ll make a lot more. So, that’s exciting.

The actor looks forward to exploring and expanding the lore of Five Nights at Freddy’s, alongside the creators, to answer the long-held mysteries that have fascinated the fanbase.

”
All those things that the fans have filled in for year after year, I’m excited to, with Scott [Cawthon] and Emma [Tammi], fill in all those pieces that the fans have always wondered about
. That’s the thing is, how do we fill out expectations, and how do we fill out the lore? I’ll be excited to be a piece of that story.”

Directed by Emma Tammi, the original Five Nights at Freddy’s movie was crafted with input from the game’s creator, Scott Cawthon, who co-wrote the screenplay with Tammi and Seth Cuddeback. Cawthon also took on production duties alongside Jason Blum. The film featured a diverse cast including Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Piper Rubio, who helped bring the horror game adaptation to life.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
is scheduled for theatrical release on Dec. 5, 2025.