Matthew McConaugheyis set to star inThe Rivals of Amziah King, a new crime thriller.The Vast of Night’sAndrew Pattersonis set to write and direct. Plot details onThe Rivals of Amziah Kingare being kept under wraps by production companies Black Bear Pictures and Heyday Films, but the film will be a gritty, atmospheric crime drama set in remote, rural Oklahoma.
McConaughey will play the titular role of Amziah King. Says Heyday execDavid Heyman, “When I first watchedThe Vast of Nightit was clear me that Andrew Patterson was a remarkable talent with a singular vision. I am incredibly excited to be working with Andrew and to support him and Matthew as they bring Amziah to life and make what I believe will be an extraordinary film.” A native of Oklahoma himself, Patterson made his feature debut with the eerie science fiction movieThe Vast of Night, which landed on a number of Best of 2020 lists.
The McConaissance Continues
Texas native Matthew McConaughey broke out with the attention-grabbing role of Austin slacker David Wooderson in 1993’sDazed and Confused. He transitioned to Hollywood leading man roles with starring turns in pictures likeA Time to Kill,Contact, andAmistad. After a period where he starred in a number of profitable but critically-savaged romantic comedies, his career underwent a so-called “McConaissance” with acclaimed turns inThe Lincoln Lawyer, the first season ofTrue Detective, andDallas Buyers Club, the latter of which netted him a Best Actor Academy Award. Next up, he is slated to take over the helm of Paramount’s lucrativeYellowstonefranchise; with series starKevin Costnerdeparting and the flagship show set to conclude, McConaughey is set to star ona new spinoff of the modern-day western. He is also signed to co-star withTrue DetectivecohortWoody Harrelsonon acomedy series based on a fictionalized version of their lives. He currently voices the titular character in Netflix’s animatedAgent Elvis.
RELATED:Why ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Was the Start of the McConaissance
Black Bear Pictures (Dumb Money,Immaculate) will finance the picture, with Heyday Films’ Heyman, Black Bear’sTeddy SchwarzmanandMichael Heimler, Heyday’sJeffrey Clifford,Will Greenfield, and Patterson producing. Heyday’sRob Silva, and Black Bear’sJohn FriedbergandChristopher Casanovawill executive produce.
The Rivals of Amziah Kingwill be shopped at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
