Woody Harrelson reveals that he will never return for another True Detective season

2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year Honoring The Grateful Dead - Inside - Source: Getty
2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year Honoring The Grateful Dead - Inside - Source: Getty

Fans may not see more of Woody Harrelson in more seasons of True Detective, as the actor has opened up about not wanting to return to his role, even if co-star Matthew McConaughey agrees to return.

In an interview with Dylan Dreyer on the 3rd Hour of Today, Harrelson was asked if he would like to reprise his role as Detective Marty Hart, as Dreyer talked about McConaughey wanting to return if Harrelson does. Speaking to the actor he said,

“He actually said that he would be into it, ‘If Woody and I think it’s good enough. It wouldn’t even be a choice.’"

Harrelson didn't share the sentiment though, as he responded and said,

“Matthew’s so funny, but in fairness, never. Not a chance. Because it turned out great. I love that it turned out the way it did. If anything, doing another season would, I think, tarnish that.”

However, that doesn't mean both actors won't be collaborating. He went on to add how they both are working on a new project as he teased,

“We are doing something together and this is a comedy, half-hour, and hopefully people dig it.”

It's not yet known what the project is, but they will be reuniting on Brother From Another Mother, playing themselves.


More details about True Detective

youtube-cover

Ever since it made it's debut in 2014, True Detective has been one of HBO's most popular and haunting crime anthology dramas. Created by Nic Pizzolatto, the show leans into darker, more philosophical tones, nonlinear storytelling and flawed detectives unpacking eerie crimes. Every season stands alone, and has a new cast and a new mystery, but continues to hold on to the show's dark premise.

The show started in Louisiana with the first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as two detectives chasing a serial killer tied to occult rituals. Spanning seventeen years, their pursuit unfolds like a slow, feverish confession, an exploration of faith, obsession, and decay in the heart of the American South. Joined by Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, and Tory Kittles, the ensemble turned the season into a cultural moment. It received near-universal acclaim for its writing, direction, and mesmerizing performances, becoming a touchstone of modern television drama. It currently has four seasons, with a star-studded cast across every season, including the likes of Jodie Foster, Mahershala Ali, Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams.

The show went on to earn eleven Primetime Emmy awards, winning two for Best Directing and Best Supporting Actress. As of now, the show is looking forward to True Detective Season 5, with filming slated for 2025 and a release set for 2027. According to reports, Nicolas Cage might star in the fifth season, although there's no confirmation as of yet.


All seasons of True Detective are available to stream on HBO Max.

Edited by Nibir Konwar