Stepping onto the set of a legendary auteur for the first time can be an intimidating prospect for any performer. However, professional discipline requires an actor to move past their personal hero worship to deliver a genuine performance. For Matthew Lillard, a lifelong admirer of David Lynch, being cast in the visionary director’s revival, Twin Peaks: The Return, meant he had to intentionally set aside his awe to do the character justice.
In the limited series, Lillard portrays Bill Hastings, a North Dakotan high school principal whose life is shattered when he becomes a primary suspect in a gruesome murder. While not a central protagonist, Hastings plays a vital role in the unfolding mystery, eventually crossing paths with the malevolent doppelgänger of Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan).
Lillard’s history with Twin Peaks predates his professional career; he vividly remembers “scheduling and hitting record on the VCR” to catch the original episodes. Yet, when he arrived on set, he realized that his status as a fan could become a liability to his performance if he didn’t compartmentalize it.
“If I was off my pins because I was working with David Lynch, then I’m not coming to the work with the right attitude,” Lillard explained to Polygon. He noted that the heavy emotional lifting required for his role—specifically a harrowing interrogation scene where Hastings suffers a hysterical breakdown—demanded his full presence. “If I was overwhelmed about being in the presence of David Lynch, I’m never going to do good work.”
In the wake of Lynch’s passing in early 2025, the memory of that collaboration has become a cherished highlight of Lillard’s career.
“It is a feather in my cap that I wear with pride, having worked with this iconic director and this collection of great actors,” he reflected. “Lynch was wonderful and kind, and ultimately, I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work alongside him.”
Source: Polygon
