The highly anticipated film Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 has premiered in theaters, featuring a reunion of two prominent actors from the ‘90s horror genre. Matthew Lillard returns to the franchise as the notorious William Afton, a serial killer linked to the haunted animatronics that terrorized audiences in the first film. He shares the screen with Skeet Ulrich, who plays a new character named Henry, the father of one of Afton’s early victims and his former business partner at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.
This sequel offers a unique twist by keeping Henry’s true identity a secret until the film’s credits roll, setting the stage for potential developments in a third installment of the franchise. Although Henry does not appear in the original video games, Ulrich’s portrayal has been highlighted as a standout performance in what some critics describe as a lackluster sequel.
Lillard and Ulrich’s collaboration is particularly significant, as they previously starred together in the iconic slasher film Scream. Although they do not share any scenes in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, their friendship remains strong after decades in the industry. Lillard remarked in an interview with Polygon, “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. He’s one of my best friends in the world.”
Despite their camaraderie, the film’s narrative keeps Afton primarily in dream sequences, with a hint of his return at the end. Lillard expressed optimism for a third film, suggesting it could delve deeper into the dynamic between Afton and Henry. “I think [fans are] going to be really excited about who he plays versus who I play,” he stated. “They’ve always said out loud that they want to do three films. If this weekend goes the way we’re all hoping it goes, they’ll do a third film.”
Lillard also emphasized the importance of engaging with fans from both the Scream and Five Nights at Freddy’s franchises. He believes that the bond between actors and their audiences is essential, especially for projects adapted from beloved video game series. “The good news about Skeet and I is that we both care deeply about fandoms,” he explained. “It’s about holding up that community and sort of seeing them, respecting them, and adoring that fandom.”
Playing a character as iconic as Afton comes with its challenges, but Lillard finds motivation in the passionate fanbase. “Afton’s this iconic character that people adore,” he noted. “To step into those shoes, 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.”
As Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 continues to attract audiences, fans eagerly await news regarding the potential third film. Lillard’s enthusiasm for his role and the character’s legacy reflects the growing anticipation surrounding the franchise. “I know it sounds sort of cliché, but playing an iconic character for a fanbase that’s as voracious as the FNAF fanbase is a gift,” he concluded.
With the sequel now in theaters, horror enthusiasts are left to ponder what twists and turns may lie ahead.
