As August draws to a close, Hollywood is buzzing with excitement over a bidding war for a highly anticipated television project that has captured the attention of major streaming platforms. Leading the charge is Netflix, which has emerged victorious in securing this intriguing, untitled venture. This project is notable for its impressive lineup of talent, including True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto, original True Detective season one co-lead Matthew McConaughey, and Yellowstone fan favorite Cole Hauser. The project is being developed by Skydance Sports, a company known for its dynamic content creation.
Sources indicate that Amazon, Apple, and Netflix were all vying for this exciting project, with Netflix ultimately sealing the deal. Currently, the project is in development, and discussions to finalize starring roles for McConaughey and Hauser are underway. Interestingly, HBO was notably absent from this bidding war, particularly given its complicated history with Pizzolatto, who has previously criticized the network's fourth season of the acclaimed crime anthology series.
In addition to his work with Pizzolatto, McConaughey was previously in talks for a potential role in a Yellowstone spinoff series. However, creator Taylor Sheridan has shifted focus to another spinoff titled The Dutton Ranch, featuring both Hauser and Kelly Reilly. It's worth noting that McConaughey and Hauser share a rich history, having previously starred together in Richard Linklater's cult classic Dazed and Confused, which served as a significant launchpad for their acting careers.
While specific details about the project remain sparse, it has been informally dubbed The Brothers Project, due to the premise of McConaughey and Hauser portraying brothers. The exact nature of their relationship and the setting of the story are still under wraps, but given Skydance Sports' involvement, it is reasonable to speculate there may be a sports angle to the narrative. This project should not be confused with another endeavor featuring McConaughey, which also has connections to True Detective season one — an upcoming Apple TV+ comedy where McConaughey reunites with Woody Harrelson.
As the fall season approaches, McConaughey is set to make a significant return to the big screen for the first time since 2019. Among his upcoming films is The Lost Bus, a poignant true-life drama centered around the devastating Camp Fire, directed by renowned filmmaker Paul Greengrass. The movie is scheduled to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 5. McConaughey is represented by WME and Yorn Levine.
This year, Pizzolatto will also make an appearance at TIFF with his new crime drama Easy’s Waltz, which he both wrote and directed, featuring stars like Vince Vaughn and Al Pacino. He is represented by WME and Anonymous Content. Meanwhile, Hauser is experiencing a resurgence in fame thanks to his role in Yellowstone, which has allowed him to explore various film and television opportunities outside of Sheridan's universe. Hauser is represented by IAG and Yorn Levine.
