gaming

McConaughey turned down Joel in HBO's The Last of Us, citing timing and TV commitment

Matthew McConaughey was contacted about and seriously considered playing Joel in HBO's The Last of Us but ultimately declined the role. He discussed the negotiations with showrunner Craig Mazin on the Aug. 13 episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast and said he had stepped back from acting to focus on writing and leadership roles. He also cited concern about the long-term commitment of a successful TV series and referenced his prior TV lead in True Detective; Pedro Pascal was ultimately cast as Joel.

• On Aug. 13 on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, McConaughey discussed being in contact with showrunner Craig Mazin and seriously considering the role of Joel.
• McConaughey had largely stepped away from acting at the time and was concentrating on writing and pursuing 'leadership roles' in life, which influenced his decision.
• He expressed concern about the potential long-term commitment required by a successful TV series and referenced his experience as the lead in True Detective season 1.
• Pedro Pascal ultimately was cast as Joel in HBO's The Last of Us.