HBO series "True Detective" was hailed as a groundbreaking show in its initial season with no less than Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson taking the lead roles.
More than the A-list casting, series creator Nic Pizzolatto had viewers at the palm of his hand with a deep yet thrilling plot. Along with superb direction from Cary Fukunaga, the masterful union had the entire TV audience holding its breath for Season 2.
However, Season 2 was a disappointment, to say the least. Along with the anticipation, there were huge expectations and even with a heralded cast of Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn, it was a massive letdown.
Thus, Season 3 became a huge question mark. If they ever want to relive the tradition of the first season, HBO and Pizzolatto must bring out the big guns and according to reports from Vanity Fair, they actually just might bring back a familiar face.
As they state in this report, HBO and Pizzolatto are looking for a Season 3 "Hail Mary." They may have their prayers answered as Matthew McConaughey wants to reprise his Season 1 role as Rust Cohle.
"I miss Rust Cohle, man," McConaughey admitted on DirecTV's "Rich Eisen Show." He added: "I miss watching him on Sunday nights."
"It would have to be the right context, the right way," McConaughey explained. "That thing-when I read [the original script] I knew in 20 minutes if I can play this guy, Rustin Cohle, I'm in."
"I was a happy man when I made that for six months, because I was on my own island," the Academy Award winner confided. "Luckily my wife put up with me."
That's great news for the network and the show creator but the onus is on them to offer a good script on the level of Season 1, and that's a tough act to follow.
The detective genre has also impressed another A-list star. No stranger to iconic detective roles, "Sherlock Holmes" movie star Robert Downey, Jr. Apparently, he wants the role of classic detective character Perry Mason Variety reports that RDJ and Pizzolatto are in talks.
While it is not directly a 'True Detective' Season 3 project, who knows what could happen if Matthew McConaughey signs on as Rust Cohle again? Why wouldn't RDJ want to work with the Oscar winner?
Robert Downey Jr and Matthew McConaughey could save the "True Detective" franchise. HBO is giving Pizzolatto more time since they are still dominating with "Game of Thrones." Former HBO head of programming Michael Lombardo did admit that he "rushed the process" for Season 2 (h/t Vulture). His successor, Casey Bloys does not want to make the same mistake.