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Image Courtesy: Variety
Best renowned for his parts in 'Scream,' 'Scooby-Doo,' and most recently, Five Nights at Freddy's, Matthew Lillard is considering a new path that would lead him directly into the DC Universe. The actor, who has a creative history with director and DC Studios co-head James Gunn, recently stated that he would like to work with him again. Lillard thinks there is room for him in the DCU as it develops under Gunn's direction, and fans are already excited about the prospect.
Why Lillard Wants to Return to Gunn's Fold
Matthew Lillard has stated clearly that he would be thrilled to work with James Gunn again under the DCU banner. According to recent interviews, Lillard saw the opportunity to bring similar energy to the new DC slate after reflecting on the creative synergy he and Gunn had on previous films.
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Image Courtesy: Deadline
He pointed out that their same sensibilities—combining humor, nuance, and genre play—could work well in DC's developing film industry. Beyond merely evoking nostalgia, Lillard sees potential for partnerships that astonish viewers and broaden the DCU's tone.
The actor's plea is grounded in history. Lillard has faith in the synergy because he has collaborated with Gunn early in his career. He admires Gunn's storytelling technique, particularly the way he promotes tonal diversity within DCU productions, arguing that not all of the movies have to adhere to the same "house style."
A History of Collaboration: From 'Scooby-Doo' to Unrealized Superhero Dreams
The creative collaboration between James Gunn and Matthew Lillard began in the early 2000s when they collaborated on the live-action 'Scooby-Doo' movies. 'Scooby-Doo' (2002) and its sequel, 'Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed' (2004), were both written by Gunn, and Lillard was renowned for bringing Shaggy to life, a performance that became one of the franchise's most cherished.
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Image Courtesy: Screen Rant
They continued to work together after that. The two also presented Warner Bros. with a 'Plastic Man' film around that period, in which Lillard would star and Gunn would serve as creative director. Despite the film's failure, it demonstrated their mutual fascination with strange, eccentric superheroes, a theme that has since come to define Gunn's DC work.
Lillard's Current Projects and Where Gunn Stands Now
Matthew Lillard, meanwhile, has a lot on his plate. He has been announced to return to his legendary role as Stu Macher in 'Scream 7,' which will be released in February 2026. He approaches the role with a mixture of excitement and genuine anxiety about upholding the franchise's heritage. Additionally, he is expanding into the Marvel universe.
Lillard has been casted in 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2, which marks his debut in the MCU, but his role is still unknown. In addition, he plays a minor but significant part in Mike Flanagan's 'The Life of Chuck,' a piece which he's said is a project he's deeply proud of.
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Image Courtesy: Game Rant
On the other hand, James Gunn is totally committed to changing the course of DC's future. Films including 'Superman' (2025), 'Supergirl' (2026), 'Clayface' (2026), and the follow-up 'Man of Tomorrow' (2027) are already in development as part of the DCU's "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters" slate. Additionally, he is in charge of television tie-ins, such as 'Peacemaker' Season 2, which is now set in the DCU era.
Gunn has made it clear that not all DCU projects will adhere to the same tonal blueprint; some will remain lighter or more serious, while others will veer more toward horror (such as Clayface). Lillard's stated admiration for Gunn's vision and their previous relationship raises the possibility that the reunion may be more than just fan service—it could be creatively fitting, regardless of whether he plays a villain, a supporting role, or something more surprising.
