Matthew McConaughey says he seriously considered playing Joel in HBO’s The Last of Us before the role went to Pedro Pascal, but declined because he was stepping back from acting. The decision matters because Pascal’s portrayal became a central part of the acclaimed adaptation’s success, while McConaughey would have brought a notably different interpretation.

McConaughey told interviewer Josh Horowitz that he was focused on writing, leadership and personal priorities at the time, despite being excited by the project. He also considered the likely long-term commitment: a successful television series could require him to return for “years and years”, which helped persuade him not to take another major TV role.