The first season of True Detective was a huge hit, featuring strong performances from its lead actors, but many viewers still consider it the best. Even though it’s available to stream on HBO Max, fans continue to express a desire for more stories with Matthew McConaughey’s Rust Cohle and Woody Harrelson’s Marty Hart. Before McConaughey hinted at a possible reunion, both actors discussed how playing such a complex relationship affected their real-life friendship.
I was so fascinated to hear Woody Harrelson talk about working with Matthew McConaughey on their podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name! Apparently, when Matthew first started playing that chain-smoking investigator, Woody really didn’t like his approach. He even admitted he wanted to punch his friend! It wasn’t about anything personal, though. Woody explained that Matthew never broke character while they were filming, and it drove him a little crazy because he couldn’t get a glimpse of the usual, relaxed Matthew. It’s wild to think about how dedicated Matthew was to the role!
While filming, Matthew McConaughey completely became his character, Rust Cohle. It was incredibly frustrating – I often felt like I wanted to hit him! He stayed so deeply immersed in the role that it really got under my skin.
Despite his co-star’s struggles, Matthew McConaughey remained fully committed to his character, Rust Cohle, both on and off camera. This dedication led to a highly praised season of television that continues to be considered one of the greatest crime dramas of recent years, even after more than a decade.
McConaughey recalled Harrelson being upset during filming, and remembered a conversation they had about the relationship between their characters, Marty and Cohle. While recounting what Harrelson said, McConaughey used much more sophisticated language than simply admitting he wanted to hit his co-star. He explained it like this:
We were on set, about to film a scene and had been rehearsing. I was really getting into my character, Rust Cohle, trying to be serious and reserved. Woody approached me and said he needed to talk. He explained that our scenes usually involve a back-and-forth – he’d give me a line, I’d respond, and we’d build from there, like a tennis match. He said that’s how we work, blending drama and comedy. But right then, he felt like he was starting the conversation, and I wasn’t responding at all. I was just standing there, letting his lines fall flat. He told me bluntly that it wasn’t working and wasn’t funny.
McConaughey also noted that in True Detective, the way Marty reacts to Rust Cohle’s strange comments and behavior often provides comedic relief. This made me wonder if Woody Harrelson’s real-life frustration with McConaughey came across on screen, mirroring the emotions of his character, which I believe was the point McConaughey was making.
For years, I’ve been searching for a show that captures the same magic as the first season of True Detective. HBO’s latest offering might finally be it.
This story isn’t new – Harrelson actually shared it back in 2022. Hearing it again now, years later, makes it even funnier and really emphasizes how upset he was when it originally happened.
Fans hoping to see Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey work together again will be happy to hear they’re planning a new Apple TV+ series called Brother From Another Mother. It’s been quiet about the project lately, though. Since it was first announced, news surfaced that the actors might be related, but that won’t be the focus of the show. Development has currently stalled after the showrunner left in 2025, and some speculate this could be because a True Detective reunion is in the works.
HBO Max offers streaming access to DC Comics content – including the DCU, DCEU, and classic titles – as well as shows like True Detective. Subscriptions start at $10.99 per month for the Basic With Ads plan, giving you thousands of movies, shows, documentaries, and more. See the deal here.
Currently, the only confirmed information is that Season 5 of True Detective will premiere on HBO in 2027. I’m excited to find out who will star in the new season and whether any of the original cast members will return.
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2026-01-20 21:09