Matthew Lillard Celebrates The Heartfelt Magic of The Life Of Chuck

Actor Matthew Lillard from the movie “The Life of Chuck,” which is helmed by director Mike Flanagan, can hardly contain his excitement as he anticipates viewers to become enamored with this film. Based on Stephen King’s novella, the story revolves around the character Chuck, whose significance in the world may be greater than one might think at first glance. The movie boasts a talented cast and carries a heartfelt message, which has garnered it positive feedback following its premiere at TIFF.

In the supporting cast, there’s Gus, a typical working-class guy portrayed by Lillard, who subtly alters the entire course of the film significantly. Critics have praised Gus as one of the most impactful elements in an already intensely emotional movie. Before the premiere of “The Life of Chuck”, Matthew Lillard shared his initial thoughts on the script, his eagerness to collaborate with Mike Flanagan on a Stephen King adaptation, and hinted at what fans of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” can anticipate from the upcoming sequel in an interview with ScreenRant.

Matthew Lillard’s First Reaction To Joining The Life Of Chuck

“I Couldn’t Be Happier”

The movie ‘Chuck’s Life’ is one that will stir various emotions among viewers, from shedding tears to bursting into laughter and feeling touched in between. This emotional impact was evident even from the script itself, as Lillard shared his initial surprise upon reading it for the first time. “I couldn’t get enough of it,” Lillard expressed. “I’m a big fan of Stephen King. He was the first author I ever read for pleasure. Reading ‘Cujo’ as a child was my first joyful reading experience. So, I was really looking forward to diving into ‘Chuck’s Life’.

Lillard was thrilled not just about his fondness for Stephen King, but also the opportunity to collaborate with Mike Flanagan, who has garnered significant acclaim in Hollywood due to hits like “Midnight Mass” and “Doctor Sleep”. To put it another way, he said, “[I felt that Mike wanted me for the role]… as I was reading it, I envisioned myself becoming a part of this intricate movie canvas.

Initially, I found Gus’s role to seem rather modest, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what unique qualities I could contribute. When discussing it with Mike, my question became ‘Why choose me?’ The truth is, it was more about collaborating with Mike. This role provided an excellent chance for us to begin our working relationship – a chance we had discussed previously. I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Matthew Lillard Had Been Waiting To Work With Mike Flanagan

“This Film Found A Way To Touch People In A Way That You Didn’t Really Understand Going In”

Directing “The Life of Chuck” marks a subtle shift in Mike Flanagan’s filmmaking career, veering away from his usual horror genre roots and delving more into the intricacies of human life. Although supernatural elements are present, this film primarily explores the journey of life itself. This gentler aspect appealed to Lillard, who likened it to Stephen King dramas such as “Stand By Me” or “The Shawshank Redemption.” As he stated, these heartfelt films have a timeless quality that resonates with audiences, making them just as impactful today as they were in the past.

Lillard reminisced about the unique experience of watching the finished movie for the first time with some colleagues at Flanagan’s home, free from the anticipation or fanfare of a big premiere. “It was truly enchanting to watch it alongside everyone. However, the real magic happened when I watched it in front of a crowd of 2,000 people in Toronto, where you could hear a pin drop at the end of the film; that’s when it struck me that this movie had somehow managed to resonate with people on a level we hadn’t fully grasped beforehand.“

In my opinion, if a movie aims to stir emotions in its audience, it can sometimes feel manipulative. However, this isn’t the case here. Instead, Mike has crafted an exceptionally moving story. Stephen King wrote a heartwarming tale, and together they refrain from exaggerating the emotions. Instead, they allow the narrative itself to convey the feelings, letting the storytelling shine. It’s a delightful, understated film that we hope resonates with viewers.

What Matthew Lillard Loves About Gus

“I Feel Super Proud Of This Movie”

Lillard portrays Gus in “The Life of Chuck“, a character who is a construction worker with a significant yet minor role. His life becomes intertwined with Chuck’s, a man who embodies the Everyman – a common, ordinary individual. Despite his blue-collar background and impending end-of-days scenario, Chuck maintains a practical yet profound perspective on the events unfolding around him. He gazes earnestly into the abyss of the apocalypse in a way that feels relatable, striking a chord with viewers.

In the movie’s early scenes, David Dastmalchian delivers a humorous sequence that left everyone in the Toronto audience in stitches. I remember thinking, “Wow, this isn’t supposed to be a comedy!” However, the character’s performance, which I’ll call the Gus beat, manages to ground the film exceptionally well. It creates an immediate connection with the audience, and it seems that unintentionally or not, this charming little moment establishes the mood for the rest of the movie.

As a cinephile, I’ve been singing praises for “The Life of Chuck,” and when I told Matthew Lillard that his performance in it left me heartbroken, he seemed genuinely touched. He shared that his goal was to deliver quality work for the director, Mike, and be a valuable addition to this extraordinary cast. He didn’t want to be the one who fell short, the one everyone would say, “Yeah, everyone else was great, but Matthew…” [Laughter].

I’m absolutely thrilled about this movie! I can’t wait to dive into Mike Flanagan’s universe. Lillard also shared his upcoming project, a reinterpretation of Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’, which he will work on with Flanagan for Amazon Prime Video. In a few months, I’ll be working on Carrie with him. I’m overjoyed — it promises to be fantastic, an exceptional work. Fundamentally, one aspires to be part of films that resonate with people. One seeks to be part of films that matter.

As a fan and an actor, I can’t help but feel grateful for the scenes that are filled with laughter and silliness. Yet, every so often, there comes a moment when you’re part of something more – a little gem of a film that I’m truly proud to be associated with.

Similarly, working with Neon on “The Life of Chuck” was an honor I wear as another badge of pride. To be alongside one of the finest distributors in the industry, who work tirelessly with exceptional pieces of cinema, is a privilege that never loses its shine.

What Fans Should Be Most Excited For With Five Nights At Freddy’s 2

“It’s A Really Epic Ride For Fans Of Five Nights At Freddy’s”

Besides The Life of Chuck, Matthew Lillard isn’t limiting himself to just one 2025 movie – he’s also set to reprise his character as William Afton in the sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s. Despite his villainous character meeting an unceremonious end in the first film, there’s more to come for this franchise. The box office success of the original has set high expectations among fans, but Lillard remains optimistic about the project.

Speaking about what fans can expect from the movie, Lillard shared that “Fans had many thoughts and ideas following the first film. I believe [director Emma Tammi and screenwriter Scott Cawthon] have done a great job in addressing those points and delivering what the fans want. There’s more action, it’s scarier, and I think it will be an amazing, epic journey for Five Nights at Freddy’s enthusiasts. I can’t wait for them to witness it all.

What Matthew Lillard Hopes Fans Find With The Life Of Chuck

“You Just Have To Take The Leap Of Faith And Take The Adventure With It”

The life-affirming movie “Chuck’s Life” has been receiving praise from critics, boasting a strong 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, hinting at its potential enduring success at the box office. As we anticipate the film’s theatrical debut, Lillard voiced optimism that audiences will find the courage to venture into the darkness of the movie theater and experience the cinematic journey. Essentially, his challenge lies in motivating people to leave their homes and engage with the magic of cinema once more.

I wish for people to watch this film together. Unlike the typical action-packed previews, there are no explosions or gun battles in this trailer. Instead, it presents a unique challenge to our viewers, making it more difficult to market. However, I believe that the experience is worthwhile. Though the poster may not reveal its meaning immediately, the movie itself is crystal clear about its intentions. All you need to do is trust and embark on the journey with it.

Check out our other The Life of Chuck interviews here:

Mike Flanagan at TIFF
Annalise Basso at TIFF

2025-05-19 17:50