Scream Stars Reunite in Five Nights at Freddy's Sequel

The latest cinematic offering, "Five Nights at Freddy's 2," brings together two notable figures from 1990s horror cinema. Matthew Lillard returns as the menacing William Afton, the antagonist manipulating the animatronics in the initial film. While his presence is somewhat diminished in this follow-up, his longtime collaborator and "Scream" co-star, Skeet Ulrich, steps in to fill the void, creating an exciting dynamic for long-time fans.

Skeet Ulrich portrays Henry, a character with a deeply personal connection to Afton, as he is the father of one of Afton's early victims and his former business partner in the establishment of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. This crucial piece of information is unveiled during the film's end credits, meticulously laying the groundwork for a significant confrontation in a prospective third installment of "Five Nights at Freddy's." Henry, a character previously absent from the video game series, is brought to life by Ulrich's compelling performance, which critics have highlighted as a redeeming feature in an otherwise mixed-reviewed film. This reunion is particularly thrilling for horror aficionados, given Ulrich's iconic past as one of the Ghostface killers in the original "Scream" alongside Lillard. Despite this being their first joint cinematic venture outside the slasher genre, Lillard confirms their enduring friendship over the years.

Lillard shared insights into their continued bond, noting that despite their professional engagements, their personal connection remains strong. He revealed that he and Ulrich frequently attend conventions, where they consistently share meals and maintain a close relationship, often seeing each other more frequently than some of his high school friends. However, their on-screen collaboration in "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" is limited, as Afton's appearances are primarily confined to dream sequences, meaning the two actors do not share any scenes. The film concludes with a teaser for Afton's return, hinting at a more direct interaction in future narratives.

Lillard holds an optimistic outlook for a third film, anticipating an order from Universal Pictures. He believes this next installment will thoroughly explore the intricate relationship between their characters. He expressed confidence that fans will be enthusiastic about the interplay between their respective roles. With the producers having openly discussed a trilogy, the success of the current film is poised to greenlight the third chapter, where Lillard envisions their characters' relationship unfolding in a profoundly impactful manner. Additionally, Lillard emphasized Ulrich's appreciation for being part of a film adaptation of a beloved video game series, underscoring their shared commitment to fan communities.

Lillard elaborated on their mutual dedication to fandoms, highlighting their engaging interactions with "Scream" fans and now, "Five Nights at Freddy's" enthusiasts. He articulated that their approach revolves around valuing, acknowledging, and celebrating these communities. Unlike some actors who might find the pressure overwhelming, Lillard thrives on it, embracing the challenge of portraying an iconic character cherished by a fanbase that has nurtured his legacy for over a decade and a half. He takes pride in delivering a performance that largely satisfies the fans and in being warmly accepted and celebrated within that community, viewing it as a lasting legacy distinct from transient film projects. As the second film in the potential trilogy is now playing, anticipation builds for news regarding a third and concluding installment. Regardless of the outcome, Lillard remains prepared for the next phase of his journey within the "Five Nights at Freddy's" universe, considering the role of an iconic character for such a passionate fanbase to be a profound privilege.