Imagine being a Hollywood actor who also serves as the Dungeon Master for a high-profile Dungeons & Dragons group packed with top television creators. That's exactly the reality for Matthew Lillard, who leads a campaign for showrunners like Max Nix (Burn Notice), Elwood Reid (Tracker), and Dario Scardapane (Daredevil: Born Again).
Lillard tells TheEntBase that guiding these powerful figures through the Curse of Strahd campaign has been a unique experience. "They are not used to having somebody tell them the story or shape the story for them," he says. This dynamic may have played a role in Scardapane creating the character Mr. Charles specifically for Lillard in the upcoming season of Daredevil: Born Again, premiering March 24 on Disney+.
Vincent D'Onofrio, Ayelet Zurer, and Matthew Lillard on 'Daredevil: Born Again' season 2. Jojo Whilden/MARVEL
Lillard's connection with Scardapane dates back to their work on the FX series The Bridge, where he played reporter Daniel Frye. The actor recalls how the creative team allowed him to improvise and bring unique touches to his role, building trust over time. "I think that's what Dario was hoping I would bring to Mr. Charles," Lillard notes.
In Daredevil: Born Again season 2, the story continues with Mayor Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) tightening his authoritarian grip on New York City. As Daredevil (Charlie Cox) becomes a symbol of rebellion, Lillard's character, Mr. Charles, emerges as a key figure representing the new power dynamics. Brad Winderbaum, head of Marvel TV, describes the season as "about power," with Lillard's role embodying the international power players that Fisk now engages with.
Daredevil (Charlie Cox) on 'Daredevil: Born Again' season 2. Marvel Television
