Matthew Lillard hopes for Tom Cruise gay rom-com collaboration. [Image Source: USMAGAZINE]
Actor Matthew Lillard has openly shared his enthusiasm for stepping into the romantic comedy genre, specifically envisioning a same-sex love story that breaks new ground. On September 18, while promoting his collaboration with Exact Sciences’ Cologuard test, Lillard revealed he is eager to take on a role as the “boy who needs love” and expressed a wish to star opposite Tom Cruise in a gay romantic comedy.
Lillard’s Vision for Inclusive Romantic Comedies
Reflecting on potential co-stars for this future project, Lillard named Gillian Anderson as his initial pick but emphasized the importance of representation by naming Tom Cruise as his “political answer.” He declared his support for the LGBTQ+ community and highlighted the need for a hit romantic comedy featuring two handsome men or two stunning women. This desire aligns with his belief that such stories deserve wider attention in mainstream cinema.
In a lighthearted moment, Lillard humorously noted,
“I [just] need to work on my abs. If they’re gonna call me, give me time. I’ve got to work on my abs.”
Matthew Lillard, Actor
A Career Spanning Multiple Genres with Continued Success
Though Matthew Lillard has not yet starred in a same-sex romantic comedy, his acting resume is diverse, ranging from horror to drama and comedy. Discussing his current workload, Lillard spoke about several upcoming projects, including roles in Scream 7, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Cross, Daredevil, and a new Carrie miniseries produced by Mike Flanagan. Aware of the challenges many actors face due to industry strikes, he said,
Image of: Tom Cruise
“I have definitely been lucky across the expanse of my years to do a lot of really fun stuff.”
and added,
“I’ve got so much work right now in a world where a lot of actors need work because we’re still suffering from the double strikes in our community. People should know it’s hard out there right now for actors and anyone in the film and television industry, so I feel very blessed and lucky that my life is thriving right now. I’m very grateful.”
Matthew Lillard, Actor
Reflecting on the Legacy of Scooby-Doo and Future Prospects
Lillard also hinted at the possibility of returning to the Scooby-Doo franchise through a new animated pilot, describing it as “super fresh.” Although best known for originating the role of Shaggy in the 2002 live-action film, he remains humble about the movie’s cultural place. Lillard joked about its enduring presence in family vehicles, saying,
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is the work of legends. Scooby-Doo is a movie that got stuck in everyone’s minivans while DVDs were being removed from the zeitgeist.”
and added,
“It’s a minivan legend for sure. The over-under on hours played in a minivan is set at a billion, and I would smash the over.”
Matthew Lillard, Actor
Gratitude and Encouragement for Health Awareness
Looking back on his career, Lillard conveyed a sense of accomplishment, stating,
“If I am rounding second, headed for home, this a good, long sprint, so I’m happy.”
He also used his platform to promote health awareness in connection with Cologuard, urging those 45 and older with a doctor’s recommendation to consider the test. He emphasized its role in reducing fear and potentially saving lives, saying,
“Part of that is Cologuard. If you’re out there, 45 or older [with a] doctor recommendation, I will say that, having used it myself, the thing I think is great about it is that it removes fear. It alleviates fear. To me, if this science can help save lives… you should check it out because it’s really fantastic.”
Matthew Lillard, Actor
The Impact of Lillard’s Advocacy for Representation
Matthew Lillard’s open desire to develop a gay romantic comedy with a major star like Tom Cruise underscores a growing demand for broader LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. His enthusiasm highlights not only his personal career goals but also a shift in the industry that prioritizes diverse storytelling. With his vibrant acting career and current high-profile projects, Lillard’s support for inclusive narratives could inspire new opportunities and encourage other actors and creators to embrace similar projects.
