Potential Role of Matthew Lillard in Daredevil: Born Again

Overview

Matthew Lillard’s involvement in the MCU has generated excitement among fans, highlighting his dynamic talent and charismatic presence.
Potential characters for Lillard include Mister Fear, the Owl, or Jester in the upcoming *Daredevil: Born Again* season.
Alternatively, Lillard could portray himself or a completely different character within the Marvel universe.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have reason to celebrate with the news that the talented Matthew Lillard has been cast in the second season of *Daredevil: Born Again*.Known for his standout performances in *Scream* and *Scooby-Doo*, Lillard’s casting seems like a perfect match for the superhero genre, leaving many to wonder why he hasn’t participated in such projects sooner. Speculation is rife regarding the role he might undertake within Marvel’s expansive cinematic universe.

With a resurgence in his career marked by his performance in 2023’s *Five Nights at Freddy’s* and the confirmation of his return as Stu Macher in the upcoming *Scream 7* (scheduled for 2026), many believe he is well-suited to portray a villain in *Daredevil: Born Again*.However, this is far from a certainty. So, who could Lillard be depicting, given his unique acting style?

Mister Fear (Larry Cranston)

Could Charlie Cox’s “Man Without Fear”be about to face a new fright?

One character frequently linked to Lillard’s potential role is Mister Fear. Traditionally a foe of Daredevil, this character has also crossed paths with Spider-Man over the decades. The iteration Lillard might portray is Larry Cranston, established as the third version of Mister Fear, first introduced in 1972’s *Daredevil #88*.His recent reappearance in *Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8* (December 2024) suggests he may be poised for a cinematic debut, as often the revival of lesser-known characters hints at their future in the MCU.

Lillard’s skill in embodying chaotic and unpredictable roles, like Stu Macher from *Scream*, aligns perfectly with the character’s nature, presenting intriguing possibilities. For instance, Mister Fear’s ability to induce hallucinations in Matt Murdock, particularly of his deceased friend Foggy Nelson, could be a compelling twist for the series.

The Owl (Leland Owlsley’s Son or Successor)

Can Lillard bring a fresh, eccentric interpretation to the Owl?

Another compelling theory is that Lillard may be cast as the Owl. The character, known as Leland Owlsley, previously appeared in the MCU’s first *Daredevil* series, portrayed by Bob Gunton as a ruthless financier linked to Kingpin, played by Vincent D’Onofrio. After his demise, speculation arose that Lillard could assume the role of Owlsley’s son, Lee, perhaps with ambitions to step into his father’s shoes and seek revenge.

This depiction might align with a more comic-accurate approach, showcasing the son utilizing a serum to enhance his physical capabilities in pursuit of justice (or vengeance) against both Daredevil and Kingpin. Lillard’s distinctive attributes, coupled with his lanky frame, could create a memorable and engaging adaptation of the character while tying together narratives from the earlier series.

Jester (Jonathan Powers)

Could Lillard’s dual talent for humor and menace shine as Jester?

Another intriguing possibility is the character of Jester, specifically Jonathan Powers, who presents a unique challenge for Lillard. Initially introduced in *Daredevil #42* in 1968, Powers is a failed performer turned villain adept in acrobatics and weaponry, using his skills to wreak havoc fueled by resentment towards the society that scorned him.

Endowed with a range of comedic weapons crafted by the Tinkerer (a character established in the MCU in *Spider-Man: Homecoming*), Jester adopts a dramatic approach that captures Daredevil’s attention and ultimately leads to a climactic show-down. Lillard’s unique ability to oscillate between humor and threat could revitalize this lesser-known character, creating a portrayal that resonates with audiences in both comedic and dramatic contexts.

Himself (The One and Only Matthew Lillard!)

Could a self-referential role for Lillard provide a delightful twist?

A playful and meta idea might involve Lillard portraying himself in *Daredevil: Born Again*.This concept could serve as a clever homage to his celebrated role in *Scream*, characterized by its self-awareness. Lillard has previously embraced such roles—like in *Looney Tunes: Back in Action*, *Extreme Movie*, and the 2021 special *Scooby-Doo, Where Are You Now!*

If included, Lillard could find himself as a client of Matt Murdock, parallel to how Megan Thee Stallion appeared in *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*.This scenario would allow for humorous explorations while joining a larger narrative theme, engaging fans in a surprising yet delightful manner. While self-referential roles can sometimes veer into gimmicky territory, a well-executed portrayal by Lillard could create a memorable dimension to the series.

Someone Else Entirely (Hero? Villain? Who Knows?)

Could Lillard’s role turn out to be anything from Stilt-Man to an original character?

Considering the vast array of characters available within Marvel’s source material, it’s quite possible that Lillard might not be cast in any of the previously mentioned roles. He could embody a variety of minor antagonists or allies from Daredevil’s lore, such as Stilt-Man, Coyote, or even a newly created character for the series.

Fans will have to wait to discover Matthew Lillard’s role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the eagerly anticipated second season of *Daredevil: Born Again* is set to premiere in early to mid-2026.

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