Hollywood might look a lot different if Matthew McConaughey has it his way. Los Angeles has been struggling, with the increase in fires to plenty of behind the scenes production issues. Actors like Keanu Reeves urges productions to stay in town and for officials to invest a little more into filming. However, others are wishing for a pivot to the Lone Star State.
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Recently, McConaughey united with some of Hollywood's A-list for a new ad from the True to Texas initiative. There, he joins Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renée Zellweger to call for filmmaking to take over Texas like it did in Hollywood. "Hollywood is flat circle, Woody. This industry is like somebody's memory of an industry. I'm talking about a whole new hub for film and television. A renaissance. A rebirth," he says.
Shortly afterwards, Woody Harrelson adds to McConaughey's musing with a proposal. "A small fraction of Texas budget surplus to turn this state into the new Hollywood," he suggests.
Matthew McConaughey Wants a New Hollywood in Texas
In the caption, the True to Texas initiative's mission statement becomes clearer. Texas may already be thriving now so the next logical step is to introduce the arts in a prominent way across the entire state. "Filming in Texas isn't just about showcasing our stunning landscapes—it's about creating jobs, boosting local economies, and building a thriving industry right here at home. Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, and Renée Zellweger shine a spotlight on how Texas can lead the way in film production in this short film," they write. "Let's keep the cameras rolling and the economy growing—because everything's bigger (and better) in Texas!
Time will tell where this leads and what kind of stories actors like McConaughey want to tell in Texas. Taylor Sheridan has been doing it for his shows, it's only a matter of time for others to follow suit.
