Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson Hint at Epic ‘True Detective’ Comeback

Matthew McConaughey has revealed that he and Woody Harrelson might return to True Detective if the right story comes along.

The actor said that both he and Harrelson have talked about the possibility of revisiting their original characters, Rust Cohle and Marty Hart, who became fan favorites in the show’s first season.

Speaking with NME, McConaughey shared that series creator Nic Pizzolatto has already brought up the idea of a reunion.

However, McConaughey made it clear that nothing is certain yet. “There’s excitement, yes, but I haven’t seen a script yet,” he said. “When I [originally] read True Detective, everything that came out of Rust Cohle’s mouth was white-hot. The script was on fire so the execution [of a sequel] must go another step.”

He added that both he and Harrelson want the story to meet the high expectations set by the first season. “We’re keen on the idea but it’s nothing more than an idea. If Nic puts something on paper that Woody and I think is good enough, it wouldn’t even be a choice. We would look at it and go, ‘it must happen’. It’s gotta be damn good though because we set a pretty good precedent!”

The first season of True Detective aired in 2014 and became one of HBO’s biggest hits, praised for its storytelling, atmosphere, and performances from McConaughey and Harrelson. Fans have been asking for a return of the original duo ever since, hoping to see more of their complex partnership.

Meanwhile, the series is continuing with new stories. Season 5 is currently in development with Issa López returning as showrunner after the success of True Detective: Night Country. Filming is expected to begin this year, and the show is set to air in 2027. Reports also suggest that Nicolas Cage is in talks to join the upcoming season.

The idea of McConaughey and Harrelson coming back feels exciting for longtime fans. Their chemistry and performances helped define the show’s identity. If Nic Pizzolatto can capture that same spark again, a reunion could easily become one of the biggest television events in years. What do you think about the possibility of their return? Share your thoughts in the comments.