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While he’s apparently in talks to star in a sequel series to Yellowstone following the impending departure of current lead Kevin Costner, The Last of Us creator Craig Mazin recently revealed that Matthew McConaughey was also in contention to play Joel Miller in the hit HBO series.
Ultimately losing the role to Pedro Pascal, Mazin said during a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he had discussions with the Academy Award-winning actor for the lead role in the series, which is based on the acclaimed video game of the same name.
“I actually never talked to Mahershala [Ali],” Mazin said of the casting process for Joel.
“I did talk to Matthew [McConaughey]. I wouldn’t say that it was serious, it was more of just like, ‘Hey, here’s something we can talk about’. Matthew McConaughey is an amazing actor, I’m sure it would’ve been great. But it would’ve been different and I like the one that we made. I think it worked out well.”
Truth be told, McConaughey could use a win on the level of The Last of Us, as his filmography in the decade since he won the Oscar for Best Actor has been far from stellar, having starred in films such as The Sea of Trees, Free State of Jones, Sing, Gold, The Dark Tower, White Boy Rick, Serenity, The Beachbum, and The Gentlemen.
Pascal, on the other hand, has been on a tear in recent years, starring in projects such as Narcos, The Mandalorian, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and more. He’s also currently in production on Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2.
In addition to Pascal, the other key role in the series of Ellie went to Game of Thrones alum Bella Ramsey. Despite being renewed for a second season shortly after the first premiered, some reports indicate that season two of The Last of Us might not hit HBO’s airwaves until 2025.