How Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Sets the Stage for a Massive Scream Reunion

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Matthew Lillard as William Afton standing in a doorway wearing a leather apron and tools — Image: Blumhouse/Universal Pictures

With Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 now playing in theaters, two familiar faces from ’90s horror share the marquee again. Based on the hit video game series, the sequel features Matthew Lillard returning as William Afton — the sinister mind behind the animatronics introduced in the first film. Lillard’s screen time is reduced in this outing, but another veteran of the era steps in to bolster the cast: Skeet Ulrich, Lillard’s longtime Scream co-star.

Ed note: The remainder of this piece reveals major spoilers for the ending of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.

Ulrich portrays Henry: a grieving father connected to one of Afton’s early victims and, as revealed during the end credits, the former business partner who helped establish Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. That twist arrives late, teasing a dramatic confrontation should a third film be greenlit.

Henry does not appear in the original games, yet Ulrich’s portrayal emerges as one of the sequel’s highlights, offering a steadier emotional center amid an otherwise uneven follow-up. For horror devotees, the reunion of Ulrich and Lillard is a nostalgic treat — the two rose to prominence together as part of the Ghostface pair in the original Scream, and though this marks their first collaboration outside that franchise, they’ve kept a close friendship over the years.

Image: Blumhouse/Universal Pictures

Lillard emphasizes how close they remain: “We do conventions a lot every year, and when we’re on the road we practically eat every meal together. He’s one of my best friends — I see him more than many of my old school friends.”

Despite their personal closeness, Ulrich and Lillard do not share any scenes in the film; Afton’s appearances are confined to dreamlike sequences, with his comeback hinted at during the credits. Still, Lillard expressed optimism that Universal will commission a third entry — one that could fully explore the dynamic between Afton and Henry.

“I think fans will be excited by the contrast between his character and mine,” Lillard said. “There’s been talk about a trilogy for a long time. If this opening weekend performs the way we hope, a third film is likely, and that relationship would play out in a very powerful way.”

Images: Dimension Films/Lantern Entertainment

Lillard also noted how seriously both actors take fandoms, especially when breathing life into a character from a beloved video game adaptation. “Skeet and I both respect the communities we engage with,” he said. “Whether it’s Scream fans or the FNAF audience, it’s about honoring that passion and giving back to the people who’ve kept these stories alive.”

Where some performers might shrink from that pressure, Lillard welcomes it. He reflected on the responsibility of stepping into a widely adored role: to meet expectations, to contribute to a legacy, and to be embraced by a devoted fanbase — a rare and gratifying experience for an actor.

With the second film now on screens, anticipation builds for confirmation of the trilogy’s final act. Lillard sounded ready for whatever comes next: “It may sound cliché, but portraying an iconic figure for such a fervent fanbase is a true gift.”

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is in theaters now.

Source: Polygon