Matthew McConaughey has played many acclaimed roles throughout his career, making him one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood who can command huge salaries for his work. Nearly two decades ago, he had the opportunity to earn nearly $15 million for a single role, but he decided to turn it down. Now he looks back on his decision.
THE Interstellar star looked back on this transformative moment in his career in his appearance on November 11 Modern wisdom podcast. While being a huge movie star is great, he wasn't only concerned with the pursuit of money.
“I've met a lot of very rich people who chased that dollar to be successful and to be relevant for the most money,” he said, noting that actors can often sacrifice quality for quantity. For him, it wasn't about the cash, it was about being proud of his accomplishments, even if he wasn't making that much money.
In the late 2000s, she reflected on her decision to switch from romantic films to dramatic roles. In late 2008, he was offered to lead the big screen remake of the film Magnum, PI reportedly for a cool $15 million The Hollywood Reporter. At the time, a new father and at a crossroads in his life and career, he decided to take a risk and step back from the profession for two years.
In the end, it was a move that paid off. “Having a year and a half off and saying no to things in one way or another, I had a new good idea,” he said. THE Hollywood Reporter. “Sometimes the target pulls out the arrow.”
“It was a big risk,” he later admitted Modern wisdomadmitting that taking up so much free time could have been a “one-way ticket to a Hollywood cul-de-sac”.
His extended absence eventually brought traction to his admission. “I've been gone long enough to become a new good idea. 'Where's McConaughey?' Plus, he turned down this $14.5 million offer three months ago,” he said. “You don't turn down a $14.5 million offer. “
McConaughey's next film, Rivals of Amziah Kingexpected to arrive next year.