‘Scream’ Star Matthew Lillard Chats Horror-Themed Tequila and D&D-Inspired Whiskey

Whether you know him as the enduring voice of Shaggy in “Scooby-Doo” or for his myriad horror-centric turns in “Scream,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s” and “Thirteen Ghosts,” Matthew Lillard has developed a reputation uniquely synonymous with geek subculture.

On screen, the actor invariably finds himself on the run from all manner of beasts, serial killers, ghoulies and animatronic teddy bears. Off screen, he’s more likely to be flinging spells and incantations in heated, hours-long Dungeons & Dragons sessions. Somewhere in between lies the image of a celebrity more comfortable at Comic Con than on the red carpet — an actor who lives and breaths the same fantasy-tinged milieu as the fans who line up for hours in hope of an autograph.

For all these reasons and more, the actor now finds himself in the spirits industry. Perhaps that transition doesn’t quite make sense at first glance — give us a second to explain.

The unexpected career turn began in 2023, when Lillard joined forces with screenwriter Justin Ware and Blue Run Spirits to launch Quest’s End. Rather than release a flagship bourbon or rye, the brand specializes in limited-edition whiskeys themed after various Dungeons and Dragons characters. Its 103.6-proof Warlock was an ode to Heartless Haig Tanaris, a fictional pirate with a lifetime of maritime trading under his leathery belt. The Paladin was designed with hints of vanilla, fruit and spice reflecting “the noble aims” of its courageous class; the Dragon with “appropriately powerful” flavors of red fruit, roasted oak and barrel spice.

This penchant for elaborate theming was eventually carried into a horror-themed tequila imprint dubbed Macabre Spirits. Its inaugural reposado was released alongside a 70-page novella penned by Mike Flanagan, the horror director behind “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Midnight Mass.”

Lillard, now knee deep in the second round of Quest’s End Whiskey releases, was nice enough to make time for a chat showing off what’s in store down the road. If you’re interested in learning more about his all-encompassing spirits venture, be sure to check out our interview embedded above.