At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Matthew McConaughey’s son made a remarkable entrance into acting with his debut role in the film The Lost Bus. The 17-year-old Levi McConaughey, alongside his famous father and 93-year-old grandmother Kay McConaughey, appeared for the world premiere of this intense wildfire drama, marking a special moment for the McConaughey family as three generations shared the spotlight.
A Family United on Screen and in Life
Matthew McConaughey reflected warmly on the unique experience of acting with both his son and grandmother. During a September 5 interview with Francesca Amiker from E! News, he described the excitement of witnessing Levi introduce himself to the acting world while performing in shared scenes. He noted the legacy of performance in their family, saying,
“He’s introducing himself and I happen to be alongside him and in some of the same scenes of him which is pretty cool.”
He added,
“Three generations. My mother has always been a performer and so she’s been films. I had no idea he was even interested.”
Initially doubtful about Levi’s commitment to acting, Matthew admitted that he hesitated to let his son audition for the role of his on-screen son. Despite this, Levi was persistent and returned multiple times seeking a chance to read for the part. Matthew recalled,
“He came back four times asking me, ‘Can I read for it?’”
After finally supporting Levi’s audition, the casting director recognized his talent:
“They got him on camera, read for it and I said ‘Wow, he can hold the frame, he’s got the instinct for it.’”
Director Paul Greengrass Sees Potential
The decision to cast Levi wasn’t finalized until the footage was sent to the film’s director, Paul Greengrass. Matthew shared the interesting twist of removing Levi’s surname from the submission so that the director’s judgment would be unbiased.
“They send it to the director and they say, ‘If we do that, let’s take the name off—my last name off—to send to the director,’”
Matthew explained. When Greengrass viewed the tape, he immediately recognized Levi’s potential, saying,
“Paul looks at it and says, ‘That’s the kid!’”
This endorsement sealed Levi’s casting in the film.
Levi’s Reaction to His Acting Breakthrough
Levi McConaughey was surprised and deeply moved upon learning he had landed the role. Reflecting on his experience, Levi told E!,
“I knew it was a good audition and I was like, ‘OK. This is good,’ but I did not think I was going to get the part.”
Despite no prior professional acting experience at this scale, Levi was soon brought into the fold.
“I’ve never acted before, especially on this level, and so I got the call,”
he recalled.
“I remember my dad gets the call and he handed me the phone and I’m like, ‘Okay?’ And it’s the director Paul Greengrass and he goes, Hey bud, how would you like to come over to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and play Shaun?’ And I was like, ‘What??’”
The excitement on the call quickly turned to emotion. Levi attempted to stay composed but soon broke down in tears after hanging up.
“I was trying not to start crying on the phone so I was like, ‘Yeah, that would be amazing. Thank you so much. This is great,’”
he said.
“I hang up the phone and I started crying.”
This moment marked the beginning of Levi’s promising journey in acting, supported by his family’s proud presence.
Stars Illuminating the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival
Besides the McConaughey family’s impressive debut and reunion, many other prominent actors and performers graced the event, each adding their unique flair to the festival.
Robert Aramayo, known for his role in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, arrived on the first day, September 5, showcasing his rising profile in the industry.
Ben Foster drew attention with a classic yet bold black-and-white suit during the festival’s second night, blending elegance with fresh style.
Sidestepping into regal sophistication, Billy Howle was present for the premiere of Outlaw King, carrying himself with a polished demeanor.
The radiant Jess Gabor, widely recognized from Shameless, captivated with a bright yellow ensemble, shining like the sun under the festival lights.
Katy O’Brian, star of Love Lies Bleeding, embraced glamour with a stunning look at the Canadian festival.
Sydney Sweeney stunned in a delicate pink corseted gown by Erdem Resort 2026, making a notable appearance that turned heads on the red carpet.
Veteran actor Chad L. Coleman, famous for The Walking Dead, joined the festivities looking sharp and confident.
Bringing cultural flair, Masaki Saito wore a traditional Japanese yukata while flashing a peace sign, blending heritage with contemporary style.
Mila Al Zahrani impressed attendees with a flowing off-white gown that drew attention and admiration.
Acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy, an Oscar winner, also attended, lending prestige to the festival’s star-studded guest list.
Auden Thornton lit up the red carpet wearing an emerald green gown with braided detail and pleated fabric, exuding timeless elegance.
Musical icon J Balvin, who ventured into acting with his film debut The Choral, stepped confidently onto the red carpet, symbolizing his artistic versatility.
Stephen Amell, leading star of Suits LA, was present for the premiere of The Choral, broadening his engagement with cinematic storytelling.
The Korean film Good News premiered with director Sho Kasamatsu and cast members Byun Sung-hyun, Sul Kyung-gu, and Hong Kyung in attendance, highlighting the festival’s international draw.
Hollywood favorites Ryan Reynolds and Colin Hanks shared the stage on the red carpet, balancing sophistication with casual charm.
Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke made a lighthearted entrance, bringing a playful energy to the event.
Alan Ritchson, lead in Reacher, showed a relaxed yet stylish presence while attending the festival.
Kevin Weisman appeared in laid-back fashion, maintaining a cool demeanor on September 4.
Music legend Wyclef Jean infused the red carpet with a tropical street style vibe, reflecting his artistic roots.
Veteran actor Cary Elwes brightened the festival with a warm smile and a strong presence.
Rappers Fat Joe and actor Diego Boneta, star of Luis Miguel: The Series, posed together, blending music and Hollywood flair.
Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve turned heads in a Jacquard bustier gown featuring a delicate blue and black floral design, showcasing grace and poise.
Elle Fanning offered fashion inspiration wearing a striking black-and-white Valentino outfit from the 2026 Resort collection, highlighting designer Alessandro Michele’s vision.
Shailene Woodley attended to promote her new film Motor City, adding a committed star power to the event.
Devon Bostick, known for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, made a notable appearance, reinforcing his presence in the film world.
Barbie Ferreira impressed at the premiere of Mile End Kicks with a sleek black lace dress.
The film’s key figure, Jay Baruchel, arrived with his wife Rebecca-Jo Dunham ahead of Mile End Kicks’s world premiere, marking another highlight of the festival.
Stanley Simons was also present, known for The Iron Claw, stepping confidently onto the red carpet as anticipation builds for his upcoming starring role in Mile End Kicks.
Eugene Levy, beloved for Schitt’s Creek, attended the festival to honor John Candy during the premiere of the documentary John Candy: I Like Me, connecting past and present generations of comedic talent.
The Significance of Levi’s Debut and Festival Highlights
Levi McConaughey‘s successful acting debut represents not only personal triumph but also the emergence of a new generation in Hollywood’s evolving landscape. His journey, encouraged and supported by his family, highlights the importance of persistence, talent, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities. The presence of three McConaughey generations on the TIFF red carpet symbolizes a rich artistic heritage that bridges past, present, and future.
The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival demonstrated its continuing role as a platform for rising stars and celebrated performers alike, offering a convergence of diverse talents from around the world. From Robert Aramayo’s fantasy epics to J Balvin’s music-to-film crossover, and from international cinema like Good News to heartfelt tributes to legends such as John Candy, TIFF continues to shape and reflect the vibrant cultural pulse of the film industry.
