Matthew McConaughey has finally revealed why he chose not to be part of The Last of Us TV show. HBO Max‘s live-action adaptation, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie, is based on the blockbuster PlayStation video game franchise from Naughty Dog.
Speaking with Josh Horowitz on an episode of the Happy Sad, Confused Podcast, McConaughey discussed the time when he was in talks about The Last of Us TV series. But he chose to skip it for personal reasons. He said, “I did [seriously consider it]. That was also — I wasn’t really acting, at that point. I think that was when I was doing more writing and looking at leadership roles in life and stuff.”
Talking more about post-apocalyptic drama series, McConaughey added, “It was really good. I was really excited. Correct me if I’m wrong, I’m not a huge TV watcher…The Last of Us was really good; it just wasn’t for me at the time. I don’t know what would have been for me at the time.”
Matthew McConaughey’s new movie opens in theaters this month
Matthew McConaughey also discussed the details of his upcoming movie, The Rivals of Amziah King. The crime thriller film is set to release later this month.
When asked what made him choose this movie, the Oscar winner revealed that he really liked the idea and the character’s traits in the story. According to him, he is someone “who gives belonging, who brings the light, and puts people in the light. Everyone he meets, puts them in the center of the circle and raises them up.”In
The Rivals of Amziah King, McConaughey plays a musician, Amziah King, from rural Oklahoma who also runs a honey-making business. After reuniting with his estranged daughter, the character also comes across new enemies in town.
What’s interesting about this movie is that it marks McConaughey’s comeback to acting after a six-year gap. Besides the acclaimed Hollywood star, The Rivals of Amziah King also features Angelina LookingGlass, Kurt Russell, Scott Shepherd, Cole Sprouse, Tony Revolori, and Rob Morgan.
Directed by Andrew Patterson, The Rivals of Amziah King will be released in limited theaters on August 14, 2026. It will then arrive nationwide in cinema halls on August 21, 2026.
Originally reported by Mintu Kumar Tomar on ComingSoon.
