Woody Harrelson Explains Why He Wouldn't Return to "True Detective"
Woody Harrelson, who earned an Emmy nomination for his 2014 role in the first season of HBO’s True Detective, has firmly ruled out returning to the series.
Background on "True Detective" and Harrelson’s Role
The acclaimed drama, created by Nic Pizzolatto, debuted in 2014 with Harrelson starring alongside Matthew McConaughey. The first season was set in Louisiana, following Detectives Marty Hart (Harrelson) and Rust Cohle (McConaughey). The show won five Emmys, with both lead actors receiving nominations.
Thoughts on a Potential Return
Recently, Pizzolatto mentioned plans for another season featuring both Harrelson and McConaughey. On the “Today” show, host Dylan Dreyer asked Harrelson if he would reprise his role.
“A lot of folks want to know if there will ever be another ‘True Detective’ with you and Matthew McConaughey. [McConaughey] actually said he would be into it if ‘Woody and I think it’s good enough. It wouldn’t even be a choice.’ Would you do another one?”
— Dylan Dreyer, Today show
Harrelson responded,
“Matthew’s so funny. Not a chance.”He explained he felt the story "turned out great" the first time and that any continuation might damage its quality:
“I love that it turned out the way it did. If anything, doing another season would, I think, tarnish that.”
Summary
Woody Harrelson respects the impact of the original season and prefers to leave the story as it is rather than potentially diminish its legacy with a new installment.
Author’s note: Harrelson’s clear refusal to revisit Marty Hart underscores his desire to preserve the show's acclaimed legacy as it stands.