Matthew Lillard Declares Five Nights At Freddy’s 2 Is “Bigger” & Scarier

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Since the original video game came out in 2014, Five Nights at Freddy’s has become incredibly popular. However, the recent movie adaptation received a mixed reaction from fans, with many feeling it wasn’t scary enough. But Matthew Lillard, who plays the villain William Afton, promises that Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 will be much more frightening!

In an interview with MovieWeb, 55-year-old actor from Scooby-Doo complimented Scott Cawthon, the creator of FNAF, and director Emma Tammi on their excellent work building the world, developing characters, and establishing the story and atmosphere in the first film. However, after learning that fans wanted more intense scares, larger environments, and elements inspired by the game itself, they significantly revised their approach for the sequel.

Scott Cawthon and Emma Tammi really listened to feedback and created a movie that feels much more like a traditional horror film – it has more sudden scares and action. It’s become a thrilling, fast-paced experience, and that was the first thing I noticed when I read the updated script.

Matthew Lillard Praises ‘FNAF’ Fans’ Creativity


Universal Pictures

While researching his disturbing character, William Afton – the co-founder of Fazbear Entertainment and a child murderer – Lillard also discovered the passionate FNAF fanbase and the detailed backstory they’ve built over the past ten years.

He told MovieWeb that the fans are remarkably genuine and dedicated. He was particularly impressed by the detailed stories and explanations they’ve created themselves – their own interpretations of the world, almost like fan fiction – and how strongly connected the fan community is. He said he’s never encountered anything quite like it.

When people think of dedicated fandoms, they often picture classics like Star Trek, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. But the fanbase for Five Nights at Freddy’s is just as passionate and sizable, easily competing with any of those well-established groups.

Lillard described playing a villain in such a well-known series as both challenging and incredibly satisfying. He called the character ‘iconic’ and said it’s been a daunting but rewarding experience so far.

He said people have generally responded positively to his work, and he hopes that continues with the next film.

Damian Lillard will be back for the sequel, joined by returning cast members Josh Hutcherson (known from The Hunger Games), Piper Rubio (For All Mankind), and Elizabeth Lail (Once Upon a Time). The film will also feature newcomers Skeet Ulrich (Scream), Teo Briones (Chucky), and Mckenna Grace (Annabelle Comes Home). Megan Fox (Transformers) will provide the voice for Toy Chica, while YouTuber Matthew “MatPat” Patrick will voice Toy Bonnie, and Kellen Goff, who has voiced characters in the FNAF video games, will be the voice of Toy Freddy.

Catch Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 in theaters on Dec. 5.

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2025-11-24 02:03