Matthew Lillard is set to make a thrilling return as William Afton in the upcoming crossover between the popular horror franchise Five Nights at Freddy's and the multiplayer game Dead by Daylight. This highly anticipated collaboration will see Lillard voice the menacing character Springtrap, an animatronic that has haunted fans since its introduction in the game series.
The announcement came during Dead by Daylight's 9th anniversary livestream at PAX East, where developers revealed that players can look forward to experiencing the terrifying world of Freddy Fazbear's Pizza firsthand. This new chapter is expected to launch this summer, bringing with it a wealth of fresh content and gameplay mechanics.
The character of William Afton, known for his sinister role in the Five Nights at Freddy's lore, is infamous for the tragic fate of children at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. In the live-action film adaptation released in 2023, Lillard portrayed Afton, giving fans a glimpse into the character's dark past. Now, he will reprise this role in Dead by Daylight, adding a unique layer to the gaming experience.
Springtrap, also referred to as The Animatronic in Dead by Daylight, will be introduced as the new killer. The character's lore is steeped in tragedy, as Afton becomes trapped in the animatronic suit after a horrific accident, leading to his transformation into Springtrap. Players will have the chance to embody this character, which is a first for the franchise.
In addition to Springtrap, the Dead by Daylight update will feature a new map based on Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. Developers have teased that the map will be filled with Easter eggs and surprises for fans of the franchise, creating an immersive experience that honors the original games.
Fans can also look forward to a legendary skin for Springtrap, known as the “Yellow Rabbit.” This skin will showcase Lillard's likeness and will feature voice lines recorded by him, further bridging the gap between the film and the game. The excitement among fans was palpable, with many taking to social media to express their enthusiasm for Lillard's involvement. "The LEGENDARY SKIN??? I’M SO HAPPY. OH MY GOD MATTHEW LILLARD IN DBD AND VOICING TOO? I’M SOBBING," one fan exclaimed.
Dead by Daylight has a history of incorporating iconic horror characters into its gameplay, including villains from franchises such as Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Saw. The addition of Five Nights at Freddy's marks a significant milestone, as it has been one of the most requested licenses in the game's history.
Alongside the Five Nights at Freddy's chapter, Behaviour Interactive has announced a series of quality-of-life updates aimed at improving player experience. These updates include bug fixes, item changes, and a revamped matchmaking rating (MMR) system. The developers have expressed their commitment to respecting players' time and enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
As the anticipation builds for the summer release of the Five Nights at Freddy's content, fans are also looking forward to the upcoming sequel to the live-action film, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, which is set to hit theaters on December 5, 2025. Lillard is expected to reprise his role, further solidifying his connection to the franchise.
Emma Tammi will return as director for the sequel, with Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail also reprising their roles. The success of the first film, which grossed over $297 million worldwide on a modest budget, has set high expectations for the sequel.
In addition to the Five Nights at Freddy's crossover, Dead by Daylight is expanding its universe with other collaborations. A Witcher Collection is set to launch on June 3, 2025, featuring outfits inspired by the beloved fantasy series. Furthermore, a Boulet Brothers Collection is scheduled for release on July 8, 2025, showcasing unique outfits for characters within the game.
As Dead by Daylight continues to evolve, the integration of fan-favorite characters and franchises keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. The long-awaited Five Nights at Freddy's crossover is poised to bring a new level of excitement to the game, allowing players to step into the shoes of one of horror's most notorious villains.
With the launch of the Five Nights at Freddy's chapter on the horizon, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates from Behaviour Interactive. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the arrival of Springtrap and the new map, the excitement surrounding this collaboration is undeniable.
In a genre that thrives on innovation and creativity, Dead by Daylight's ability to merge cinematic elements with interactive gameplay continues to captivate audiences. As players prepare for the chilling experience of facing off against Springtrap, the legacy of Five Nights at Freddy's lives on, both in film and in gaming.
