AUSTIN, TEXAS – In a wide-ranging discussion at the University of Texas at Austin, actors Timothée Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey reflected on their careers and the evolving landscape of the film industry. The event, co-hosted by Variety and CNN, saw the two actors reunite nearly two decades after appearing together in Christopher Nolan’s 2014 science fiction epic, Interstellar.
The conversation, which aired on , touched upon McConaughey’s pivotal role in shaping Chalamet’s early career. Chalamet, then 17 and fresh out of high school, recalled finding an unexpected mentor in McConaughey during the filming of Interstellar. He described McConaughey as “warm” and “inspiring” at a time when he was grappling with the decision of whether to pursue acting full-time. Chalamet played the younger version of a character later portrayed by Casey Affleck in the film, appearing in the first 37 minutes of the nearly three-hour production.
“I think you could see I was aimless but motivated,” Chalamet said to McConaughey, according to reports. He remembered being struck by McConaughey’s unconventional approach to preparation on set, noting his practice of yoga and frequent rest periods. Despite the initial strangeness, Chalamet credited McConaughey with providing crucial support during a formative period.
The discussion also turned to McConaughey’s own career trajectory, specifically his transformative performance in the 2013 film Dallas Buyers Club. McConaughey described the role as a turning point, requiring a significant physical and mental commitment. He detailed losing 21 kilograms for the part, driven by a desire to authentically portray the character of Ron Woodroof, a man diagnosed with AIDS who fought against the pharmaceutical industry.
“I just had to impose a strict discipline on myself,” McConaughey explained. “I became obsessed. If I showed up and didn’t look like a man with HIV, people would say, ‘What are you doing?’ It would be embarrassing. I wouldn’t have done my job. I would have missed the mark.” He further elaborated on the mental shift, stating that the physical weight loss sharpened his focus and memory.
Director Jean-Marc Vallée, who helmed Dallas Buyers Club, reportedly initially had reservations about casting McConaughey, but ultimately trusted the actor’s vision. Vallée later remarked that McConaughey “was tired of playing the pretty boys,” and embraced the challenge of a more complex and demanding role. Vallée also noted the contrasting approaches of McConaughey and Jared Leto, who also starred in the film and how he ultimately favored their more expansive performances over his initial preference for minimalism.
The film garnered significant critical acclaim and awards recognition, with McConaughey winning the Academy Award for Best Actor and Leto receiving the award for Best Supporting Actor. Dallas Buyers Club was also nominated for Best Film Editing at the Oscars.
Beyond their individual experiences, the conversation also addressed the broader challenges facing the entertainment industry, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence. During a town hall event , McConaughey predicted that AI actors would “infiltrate” the Oscars, emphasizing the economic incentives driving the technology’s development. He urged young actors to protect their voice and likeness through trademarks and other legal measures.
“It’s coming. It’s already here,” McConaughey stated. “Don’t deny it. It’s not going to be enough to sit on the sidelines and make the moral plea that, ‘No, Here’s wrong.’ There’s too much money to be made, and it’s too productive. So I say: Own yourself.”
The event served as a platform for both established and emerging actors to discuss the evolving demands of the profession and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing industry. Chalamet and McConaughey’s shared experiences, spanning two decades and a range of cinematic landscapes, offered a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of performers.
