With promising early performances in the likes of “Dazed & Confused” and “Lone Star,” it seemed in the mid-90s that Matthew McConaughey might become a force to be reckoned with. But the last decade has seen him squander that promise on a series of smug, unable-to-stand-up-on-his-own performances in terrible rom-coms. Sure, there have been a few bright spots — he was likable and funny in “Tropic Thunder,” and enjoyably bonkers in “Reign of Fire”— but for the most part, he’s become a warning sign to stay away from theaters.
But the McConaughey of old may be making a return, as The Hollywood Reporter brings news of a new project for the actor that shows far more potential than we’ve become to used to. He’ll be starring alongside Emile Hirsch in “Killer Joe,” based on the cult play of the same name by Tracy Letts (who won the Pulitzer a few years back for “August: Osage County,” a film version of which is in development at the Weinstein Company). Letts’ play “Bug” was adapted in 2006 to a film starring Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon, and directed by William Friedkin, and Friedkin will again be taking the reins here, from a script by Letts.
The plot follows a brother (Emile Hirsch) and sister who hire a crooked cop, the titular Killer Joe (McConaughey), to kill their mother. The play premiered in 1993, and has become something of a cult classic since, being revived fairly frequently: a 1998 New York production featured Michael Shannon, Amanda Plummer, Sarah Paulson and Scott Glenn among the cast. Friedkin’s version of “Bug” was his best film in some time, so a reteaming with Letts has us pretty excited, particularly with the superior source material and the ever-excellent Hirsch on board. And who know, maybe it’ll see McConaughey get his mojo back too?
