The TV series The Last of Us could have looked very different. While Pedro Pascal brilliantly portrays Joel, another actor was originally considered for the role of this now-iconic character.

Showrunner Craig Mazin had previously mentioned that Matthew McConaughey (Interstellar, True Detective, The Wolf of Wall Street) could have played Joel. The two men had briefly discussed the idea, but ultimately didn’t pursue it further.

In a recent interview, McConaughey reflected on his decision to turn down the role. He simply stated that at the time The Last of Us was pitched to him, he was more focused on writing and other projects.

"I wasn’t really acting at that point. That was when I was doing more writing and looking at leadership roles in life. It was really good. I was excited.

Correct me if I’m wrong, I’m not a huge TV watcher, we pulled off a real coup with ‘True Detective’ at a time when series were not something that actors like myself or Woody Harrelson would hop over and go do. That one succeeded in a real royal fashion.

Last of Us was really good but it wasn’t for me at the time."