Bad news, Rust and Marty fans! Woody Harrelson has officially closed the door on ever returning to his iconic role as Detective Marty Hart in HBO's True Detective, despite Matthew McConaughey being open to the idea.
TL;DR
- Woody Harrelson says "not a chance" he'll return to True Detective Season 1.
- Matthew McConaughey remains open to reprising Rust Cohle if the script is exceptional.
- Harrelson is currently promoting Now You See Me: Now You Don't and stars with McConaughey in the upcoming Apple TV+ comedy Brother From Another Mother.
If you were holding out hope to see Detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart reunite for another mind-bending case, get ready for a dose of reality, Harrelson style. Woody Harrelson, the beloved actor behind Marty Hart, recently delivered a definitive "never" when asked about reprising his Emmy-nominated role on HBO's critically acclaimed first season of True Detective.
During an appearance on TODAY's "3rd Hour" with Dylan Dreyer, Harrelson was upfront. When Dreyer mentioned Matthew McConaughey's openness to a return (if the story was "good enough"), Harrelson chuckled, "Matthew's so funny, but in fairness, never. Not a chance."
"Because it turned out great. I love that it turned out the way it did, and if anything, doing another season would, I think, tarnish that."
— Woody Harrelson on why he won't return to True Detective
His reasoning is simple, yet fiercely protective of the original: "Because it turned out great. I love that it turned out the way it did, and if anything, doing another season would, I think, tarnish that." It seems for Harrelson, the first season, which debuted on January 12, 2014, and garnered five Emmys, stands as a perfect, untouchable piece of television history.
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Matthew McConaughey's Open Door and Creator's Ideas for More Rust & Marty
This firm stance from Harrelson creates an interesting contrast with his co-star, Matthew McConaughey. McConaughey has consistently expressed his willingness to step back into Rust Cohle's nihilistic shoes, but with a significant caveat: the script would have to be "fire and originality" like the debut season. He's been quoted saying, "We nailed that first season... But if it's a script like that first one... I'd do it."
Adding another layer to this is Nic Pizzolatto, the series creator and showrunner for the first three seasons. Back in May 2025, Pizzolatto revealed on the Nothing Left Unsaid podcast that he actually has "another story for Cohle and Hart" in his head. He even mentioned that "the guys are open to it," suggesting there had been conversations. While Pizzolatto's optimism was high, it appears Harrelson's sentiment has since solidified into a definitive "no."
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What's Brewing with True Detective Season 5 and Nicolas Cage Rumors?
While the original duo may not be returning, the True Detective universe is far from dormant. A fifth season is currently in development, with Issa López, who helmed the recent Night Country, taking the reins as showrunner. The anthology format means new faces and new mysteries, and there's been significant buzz around Nicolas Cage potentially leading the next installment.
Interestingly, Matthew McConaughey has given his blessing to the idea of Cage joining the franchise. In an interview, he shared, "He's a great actor, and I'd like to see him in that world." McConaughey even called the prospect "good news" and "a tasty combination." So, while Rust and Marty may be retired, new detectives (possibly Cage!) are ready to delve into the darkness.
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Beyond the Badge: Woody and Matthew's Real-Life Bromance and New Show
Even though we won't see them as Detectives Hart and Cohle again, the real-life bond between Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey is stronger than ever. These two aren't just co-stars; they're genuinely close friends, with their kids even calling them "Uncle Woody" and "Uncle Matthew."
Their bromance is so deep, they're starring in a new Apple TV+ comedy series called Brother From Another Mother. This show is going to be wild, featuring fictionalized versions of themselves and their families living together on McConaughey's Texas ranch. Think "what if your best friend moved into your backyard, and then some?" It sounds like pure gold.
However, production on Brother From Another Mother hit a snag recently. Filming was suspended on June 20, 2025, with eight of the ten episodes completed. Apparently, showrunner David West Read left the project due to "creative disagreements" about the season's ending. Lee Eisenberg, known for his work on The Office, is reportedly in negotiations to take over and handle reshoots for the final two episodes. No release date for the series has been announced yet, so we'll have to wait a bit longer to see their off-screen chemistry translate to a new comedic project.
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Woody Harrelson's Next Act: Magic and Illusion in Now You See Me: Now You Don't
While his True Detective chapter is firmly closed, Woody Harrelson isn't slowing down. He's currently promoting his latest film, Now You See Me: Now You Don't, set to hit theaters on November 14, 2025. This movie brings back the original Four Horsemen – Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, and Isla Fisher (who returns after missing the 2016 sequel).
The third installment introduces new illusionists played by Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt, with Rosamund Pike stepping in as the antagonist. The plot involves the team recruiting a younger generation of magicians to pull off an elaborate diamond heist from a crime family. Early reviews in October 2025 have called it entertaining, full of twists, even if some feel it's "more of the same" for fans of the franchise. Sadly, Mark Ruffalo and Lizzy Caplan won't be reprising their roles this time around. And yes, a fourth film is already reportedly in development!
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Remembering the Iconic First Season of True Detective
It's easy to understand Harrelson's protective stance on True Detective Season 1. It was an undeniable cultural phenomenon, praised for its intricate writing by Nic Pizzolatto, stunning direction, and the captivating performances of Harrelson and McConaughey. Their portrayal of the mismatched detectives, Marty Hart and Rust Cohle, delving into ritualistic murders in Louisiana, resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike. The season earned both actors Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, cementing its place as a high-water mark in television drama.
Subsequent seasons have featured impressive casts like Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Vince Vaughn, Mahershala Ali, Taylor Kitsch, Jodie Foster, and Kali Reis, each bringing fresh stories and perspectives. But for many, including Woody Harrelson himself, the original season with Marty and Rust remains a singular, perfect entity. And sometimes, it's best to leave a masterpiece exactly as it is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woody Harrelson and True Detective
- Information synthesized from recent news articles covering Woody Harrelson's interview on TODAY, Matthew McConaughey's comments, and details about upcoming projects.