Matthew McConaughey Turned Down Playing Joel in HBO's The Last of Us

Matthew McConaughey was once in the running to guide Ellie through the ruins of post-apocalyptic America, the actor has revealed. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Oscar-winner confirmed that he originally turned down the lead role of Joel in HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us.

It is a casting crossroads that presents a fascinating Hollywood "what-if," swapping Pedro Pascal’s weary, protective warmth for McConaughey's signature Texas drawl. The series went on to become a massive critical and commercial hit for HBO, and while some industry peers like Tom Holland famously avoided watching the show, McConaughey has kept up with it. The actor praised the final production on the podcast, calling the acclaimed TV adaptation "really good."

The role was ultimately filled by Pascal, who received widespread critical acclaim for his portrayal of the hardened survivor.

The details

• The candidate: Matthew McConaughey turned down the role of Joel.
• The source: Revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
• The final Joel: Pedro Pascal, whose performance earned widespread praise.

In another timeline, the Cordyceps apocalypse might have been met with a very different kind of philosophical stoicism. Instead, Pascal stepped into the flannel, leaving audiences with one of television's most celebrated video game adaptations and McConaughey as an appreciative spectator.