Woody Harrelson Talks ‘True Detective’ Return
No need for any scouting on this subject.
Woody Harrelson has clarified his stance on returning to the ‘True Detective’ series.
The 64-year-old actor, who starred alongside Matthew McConaughey in the inaugural season of the HBO series back in 2014, seems firm on his decision. Recently, show creator Nic Pizzolatto mentioned he had an idea for another season featuring both Harrelson and McConaughey, who’s now 55.
During an episode of “Today,” host Dylan Dreyer brought up this possibility, noting Pizzolatto’s statement: “[McConaughey] said, ‘If Woody and I think it’s good enough, we’ll go for it. It’s not even a choice. Would you want to give it another shot?’
Harrelson’s response was quite straightforward: “Matthew is hilarious, but to be fair, never. There’s no chance.”
It appears he has no desire to revisit his role as Detective Marty Hart. He reminisced about how fantastic the first season was.
“I love how it turned out,” he said. “If anything, a new season might tarnish that.”
The first season, set in Louisiana, centered on the experiences of Detectives Marty Hart and Rust Cohle, played by McConaughey.
This thriller won five Emmy Awards, with both lead actors receiving nominations as well.
In May, Pizzolatto openly discussed the idea of returning actors.
“Honestly, Cole and Hart could have a different storyline, and we might explore that down the line,” he said on the podcast “Nothing Left Unsaid.” He noted that while he hadn’t scripted anything, it was an idea that had been discussed. “I think both actors are open to it; it’s just a question of timing.”
In September, McConaughey indicated his return would hinge on a compelling script.
“We had such a great first season,” he said. “But if the script has the same passion and originality, like the first, I’m in. The previous season had some powerful monologues; there’s a sense of freedom in that.”
‘True Detective’ has featured various star actors over its seasons, with each new installment unfolding a fresh narrative alongside a new cast tackling a series of dark crimes.
Season 2 included Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Taylor Kitsch, and Rachel McAdams, while Season 3 featured Mahershala Ali, and Season 4 showcased Jodie Foster. Both Ali and Foster earned Emmy nominations for their performances.
Foster won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role in Season 4, which became the most-watched episode in the series, attracting 12.7 million viewers.
‘True Detective’ is gearing up for Season 5, with reports suggesting Nicolas Cage may take the lead role, set against the backdrop of New York City’s Jamaica Bay.
No further details about the plot or characters have been disclosed.
In the meantime, Harrelson and McConaughey are collaborating again in the Apple TV+ comedy “Brother From Another Mother,” where they play fictionalized versions of themselves living on McConaughey’s ranch in Texas. The network describes it as “a heartwarming odd-couple love story that highlights the unique bond between Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.”
