Are Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson Returning for ‘True Detective’?

Wait, could it be that Matthew McConaughey and his partner in crime, Woody Harrelson, are returning to the epic “True Detective” world? Maybe? Possibly? Hopefully.

The speculation follows creator Nic Pizzolatto’s appearance on the “Nothing Left Unsaid” podcast, where he openly revealed that he has another idea for a new storyline. Not only that, but Pizzolatto revealed that the concept would reportedly bring back fan-favorite characters Marty Hart and Rust Cohle, portrayed by Harrelson and McConaughey, respectively. As expected, fans went absolutely crazy online, with several fans already running with rumors that the favorite characters were returning.

The A-list actors were part of Season 1, which aired in 2014 and is still regarded as one of the best seasons in modern television. That season earned multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, to name a few. Both Texas natives received Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations for their roles.

Pizzolatto Has a New Story in Mind

Speaking on the podcast, Pizzolatto said he does have another story in mind for the duo.

“Maybe we’ll do it one day,” he said. “It’s character-based again … but it’s not something I’ve written or anything. It’s just, I had that in my head. And we’ve talked about getting back together and doing it, and I think the guys are open to it. It’s just a question of whether that would ever happen or not.”

Pizzolatto returned for Season 2, which starred Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams, and Colin Farrell. He also worked on Season 3 in 2017 with Mahershala Ali. However, he stepped away from the franchise ahead of the fourth season. “True Detective: Night Country” starred Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, and was taken over by director and writer Issa López.

Why He Walked Away From the Series

“I was the one who walked away from my contract at the end of 2019,” Pizzolatto said, explaining that the decision was personal and centered around family matters. “I believe if I had given them a good script for another season of ‘True Detective,’ I believe they would have gone for it.”

“But I myself was spiritually tired of walking in that much darkness and dealing with such dark materials. And then I got full custody of my daughter back, and that was a situation where I really needed to be a father … and I had to step away from a lot of work in 2020.”

He clarified there was no bad blood between him and HBO, and he believes it was the right move for the network to continue with the series. HBO is now developing a fifth season with López returning to lead. Casting and filming are expected to begin this year, with a premiere date expected for 2027.

Could Harrelson and McConaughey return for Season 6? We sure hope so.