Matthew Lillard Explains Career Slump After Scooby Doo 2

Actor Matthew Lillard said his career slowed sharply after Scooby Doo 2 Monsters Unleashed was released in 2004, leading him and his wife Heather Lillard to sell their cars and house while adjusting their family finances.

According to Variety’s Know Their Lines video series, Lillard, 56, had expected the Scooby Doo films to elevate his career but instead faced a prolonged period with fewer acting opportunities. He said the money from the sequel helped his family manage during that time.

Lillard described the impact of the career downturn, saying he feared he could disappear from the entertainment industry after his momentum faded.

"I was worried I might become one of those guys from the ’90s that never comes back," said Matthew Lillard, actor.

Lillard said he previously blamed the franchise for his professional struggles, but later viewed the film as an important financial support during a difficult period.

"I resented Scooby-Doo for a long time, but I never regretted doing it because the reality is that if I didn’t have the money I made in the second film, I wouldn’t have made it through," said Matthew Lillard, actor.

The actor explained that his household made significant lifestyle changes as his work opportunities declined. He said Heather returning to work became an important moment for their family.

"We sold our cars, we sold our house. We basically downsized our lives so that we could live in a very affordable way," said Matthew Lillard, actor.

Lillard also credited his wife’s return to the workforce as a major change during that period.

"A real pivotal moment for me as well," said Matthew Lillard, actor.

Looking back on his expectations after the success of the Scooby Doo films, Lillard said he had viewed himself differently from how the industry saw him.

"I was always a character actor, and I thought I was more than that," said Matthew Lillard, actor.

Lillard later returned to major projects, including the Scream franchise and the 2023 film Five Nights at Freddy’s, where he played William Afton. In a separate earlier interview on the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, he discussed whether he felt valued by Hollywood.

"No. Not really," said Matthew Lillard, actor.

He said colleagues who have worked with him understand his abilities, while he has struggled to fit industry expectations because of his range across comedy and drama.

"I’ve never fit in that little, perfect bubble," said Matthew Lillard, actor.

Lillard added that he continues to pursue new opportunities in the industry despite his long career.

"I still fight for jobs now," said Matthew Lillard, actor.