‘I’ve Got To Work On My Abs.’ Why Matthew Lillard Really Wants To Do A Gay Rom-Com With Tom Cruise

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Matthew Lillard became well-known in the ’90s and early 2000s with movies like *Scream*, *She’s All That*, and the *Scooby-Doo* films. However, he’s been particularly successful recently, appearing in *Five Nights at Freddy’s* and its sequel, and even reprising his role as Stu in the latest *Scream* movie. Looking ahead, Lillard jokingly suggests he’d love to star in a romantic comedy with Tom Cruise, and feels he needs to get in shape – specifically work on his abs – to prepare for it.

Damian Lillard is famous for playing characters that are both scary and funny. However, he recently told US Magazine he’s hoping to try a different type of role in his next project.

I’m ready for my rom-com era. I’m ready to be the boy who needs love.

It would be great to see the actor from *SLC Punk!* star in a romantic comedy. He’s played supporting roles in feel-good movies like *Summer Catch*, *Love’s Labour’s Lost*, and *What Love Is*, but he deserves to be the main romantic lead, just like anyone else. As he himself said, he’s ready to find love on screen!

You know, I was reading an interview with Matthew Lillard, and it got me thinking. He mentioned he’s sometimes pictured himself in a rom-com, which naturally led him to consider who he’d want to star *with*. Apparently, he actually shared a couple of dream co-stars, and get this – Tom Cruise was one of them! It’s funny to imagine those two together, right?

When asked who I’d choose, I initially said Gillian Anderson, but if I’m being strategic, it’s Tom Cruise. I’m eager to publicly support the LGBTQ+ community, and I’d love to star in a romantic comedy with a gay couple. I think audiences are ready for a big, feel-good rom-com featuring two attractive men or women. I just need to get in shape first! If anyone’s considering me, give me a little time to work on my abs.

Matthew Lillard’s response is fantastic. It’s great that he’s already thinking ahead to potential shirtless scenes, but even more impressive that he’s open to starring in a gay romantic comedy – especially with Tom Cruise! Cruise consistently delivers successful films outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and he’s shown he can excel in both dramatic and comedic roles. It makes perfect sense why Lillard would picture him as his leading man.

A romantic comedy featuring LGBTQIA+ characters would be a new venture for both Tom Cruise and Matthew Lillard. It’s notable that both actors have, in the past, played characters that some fans have interpreted as having subtle romantic or sexual attraction to other men. For Cruise, a well-known example is his role as Lestat in *Interview with the Vampire*, where many viewers believed his character had strong feelings for Brad Pitt’s Louis.

Fans of the movie *Scream* often thought there was a hidden romantic connection between Matthew Lillard’s character, Stu, and Billy. Because both films were made in the 1990s, when LGBTQ+ representation was limited, Lillard and other actors now have more opportunities to play openly same-sex romantic roles, something he believes is needed in the rom-com genre.

Matthew McConaughey joked that he might need to get in shape if he starred in a gay romantic comedy with Tom Cruise. However, he believes their on-screen chemistry would be more important than his physique. While recent LGBTQ+ rom-coms like *Bros*, *Fire Island*, and *Red, White & Royal Blue* have been successful, there’s still a need for more positive LGBTQ+ representation in the genre.

Don’t miss the return of the actor known as the “scream king” in the next *Five Nights at Freddy’s* movie, coming to theaters on December 5, 2025.

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2025-09-26 22:40