Woody Harrelson has decisively ruled out any reunion with Matthew McConaughey in their roles from the acclaimed HBO series True Detective. The 64-year-old actor believes that their work on the first season concluded perfectly and is unwilling to revisit the characters or storyline. During an October 31 interview on Today, when asked about a potential sequel, Harrelson responded firmly,
“No 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.”
Despite Matthew McConaughey previously expressing openness to a reunion if both actors agreed it was worthwhile, Woody dismissed this notion casually, calling McConaughey “so funny” when reflecting on the comment. While Harrelson remains resolute about not returning, the show’s creator, Nic Pizzolatto, revealed in May that he has a storyline concept that could bring back the duo as Rust Cohle and Marty Hart. Pizzolatto shared on the Nothing Left Unsaid podcast that although the idea is still undeveloped, the actors have shown some interest, leaving the door ajar for the future.
The Enduring Friendship Between Harrelson and McConaughey
Although Harrelson is firm about not revisiting True Detective, his relationship with McConaughey remains close. Their bond deepened amid speculation about a potential family connection after McConaughey’s mother, Mary McCabe, revealed she knew Woody’s father, Charles Harrelson. This revelation stirred curiosity given Charles Harrelson’s notorious past as a convicted hitman and the mysterious separation of McConaughey’s mother from his father Jim shortly before his birth.
In a 2023 interview on the Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast with Kelly Ripa, McConaughey described their relationship:
“Where I start and where [Woody] ends, and where he starts and I end, has always been like a murky line,”
illustrating the depth of their friendship. He added,
“My kids call him Uncle Woody. His kids call me Uncle Matthew. And you see pictures of us and my family thinks a lot of pictures of him are me. His family thinks a lot of pictures of me are him.”
McConaughey recounted a poignant moment in Greece where his mother coyly revealed her past relationship with Woody’s father, emphasizing the significance of the connection. Woody has acknowledged the unusual timing around McConaughey’s birth and remarked on their brother-like relationship, though he noted that Matthew was reluctant to undergo DNA testing. Harrelson explained on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,
“For him, it’s a much more big deal. I mean, he feels like he’s losing a father. But I’m like, no you’re gaining a different father and a brother.”
Other Noteworthy Celebrity Friendships That Captivate Fans
Beyond Harrelson and McConaughey, Hollywood hosts many iconic best-friend duos whose relationships started on set and have blossomed into lifelong bonds.
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s Deep Offscreen Connection
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul cultivated a remarkable friendship during the filming of Breaking Bad, transcending their roles as Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Paul declared,
“I instantly fell in love with this man,”
describing Cranston as
“one of my closest friends— my mentor—very early on.”
Their friendship extended beyond the set, with Cranston serving as godfather to Paul’s son. Together, they co-founded the Mezcal brand Dos Hombres, with Cranston crediting Paul as the driving force:
“He started it all. It was his idea,”
Cranston said.
“He knows more about business than I do. Someone has to be the cover girl, and that’s me.”
Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox: The Gold Standard of Friendship
Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox’s friendship, born on the set of Friends, has endured for decades. Their bond included daily lunches during filming, godparent relationships, and unwavering support during personal struggles. Aniston praised Cox, stating,
“There’s absolutely no judgment in Court. You’ll never feel scolded. She’s extremely fair, ridiculously loyal and fiercely loving.”
She also revealed,
“I’ve slept in her guest bedroom a lot… she’s been there for me through thick and thin.”
Cox echoed their joy, telling TV Week,
“We just have fun, we laugh, we’re inseparable and it’s great.”
Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder’s Brotherhood and Business Venture
Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder formed a close bond through their shared experience as brothers Damon and Stefan Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries. The pair went on to launch Brother’s Bond Bourbon, drawing inspiration from their characters’ favorite drink. Wesley described their closeness as “attached at the hip” and acknowledged how their contrasting personalities create balance in their friendship.
“Ian is an eternal optimist and I’m an eternal pessimist,”
Wesley said.
“We balance each other out in so many ways—he’ll go big, and then I’ll bring him down a little sometimes, when it’s necessary.”
Somerhalder sees their connection lasting for another decade.
Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps Reflect on Their Lasting Dawson’s Creek Bond
Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps forged a strong friendship during their time on Dawson’s Creek, one that has persisted after the series ended. Williams recalled,
“Someone had said, ‘When you two meet, there is going to be a chemical reaction.’ I had been really excited for this girl to land in Wilmington. We became inseparable and I fell in love with her.”
Philipps reminisced about their off-set moments, saying,
“It was talking on the porch all night long and it was back when bread was still okay to eat. It was copious amounts of bread.”
Their closeness was evident again when Philipps supported Williams after the tragic death of Heath Ledger. Williams shared,
“I said to her recently, ‘You have really saved me from ever being lonely because you are always right there.’ We are so close and can tell each other everything.”
Sibling-Like Bond of Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams from Game of Thrones
Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams developed a profound friendship while playing Sansa and Arya Stark, which has lasted well beyond Game of Thrones. Turner called them “pretty much best friends” from the very beginning, a sentiment Williams fully shared, saying,
“I thought Sophie was the coolest thing I’d ever seen… we’re best friends.”
Their relationship helped them navigate fame’s challenges, with Turner affirming,
“Maisie is definitely my protector and I’m hers, too.”
To symbolize their bond, they got matching tattoos of the date they learned they had been cast. Turner referred to Williams as,
“One of my best friends in the whole world,”
and chose her as maid of honor at her wedding to Joe Jonas.
Zach Braff and Donald Faison’s Friendship Beyond Scrubs
Zach Braff and Donald Faison’s offscreen friendship rivals their infamous on-screen chemistry on Scrubs. Faison described their first meeting as,
“That was exactly the energy we felt when we met,”
adding,
“He is my best friend. It is legit when I say this.”
Their cohabitation during Scrubs’ early days cemented their bond, leading to a collaboration on the podcast Fake Doctors, Real Friends, which gained popularity during the pandemic. The two now live close to each other in Los Angeles. Faison married at Braff’s home in 2012, highlighting the depth of their personal connection.
Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak Maintain a Strong Friendship After Romance
Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak, former co-stars on The Office and past romantic partners, continued to build a close friendship after their breakup. Kaling explained,
“He is a wonderful friend and he’s godparent of both of my kids and he loves children and they’re so attached to him.”
She noted their long history,
“We’ve known each other for a long, long time,”
and acknowledged that maintaining a close bond despite former romantic ties is rare but meaningful.
Kristen Bell and Ryan Hansen’s Lifelong Friendship Stemming from Veronica Mars
Kristen Bell and Ryan Hansen’s relationship evolved from on-screen rivals to lifelong friends and chosen family. Bell shared on Instagram,
“I have known Ryan Hansen since we were baby-people. He was my arch-nemesis on Veronica Mars, but became my best friend in real life.”
The friends lived together after the show and have remained inseparable, with Hansen standing as godfather to Bell’s children and a regular presence in their lives. Bell expressed deep appreciation, writing,
“To say I love having him in my life is an understatement. I simply would not be the person I am today without his friendship and the people he has brought into my life.”
Lea Michele and Darren Criss: A Friendship Fueled by Mutual Ambition and Playfulness
Lea Michele and Darren Criss’s friendship blossomed when Criss joined Glee in its second season. Michele praised Criss’s influence on her confidence, stating,
“Darren’s spontaneity really does push me to do things I would never do before.”
Criss affectionately described their dynamic as sibling-like, enjoying playful teasing,
“one of my favorite pastimes, because I love Lea and care about her and am inspired by her talent.”
Their friendship was on full display in October 2022, when Criss and his wife supported Michele’s return to Broadway in Funny Girl.
Longevity and Depth in Celebrity Friendships Highlight the Power of Genuine Connections
From Woody Harrelson’s firm stance on his True Detective legacy to the warm and lasting bonds celebrated by other Hollywood duos, these relationships reveal the human side of fame. Harrelson and McConaughey’s connection, marked by deep respect and nearly familial ties, underscores the complexities behind famous partnerships. Meanwhile, other celebrity friendships demonstrate how shared experiences on set often lay the foundation for lifelong companionships that extend into business ventures, family roles, and mutual support through personal challenges.
The strong ties many of these actors share off-screen support their wellbeing and creative endeavors, offering fans a glimpse into the authenticity behind their public personas. While Harrelson declines a True Detective reunion, the emotional and professional ties among these stars continue to showcase the significance of friendship amid Hollywood’s pressures.
