Matthew McConaughey Returns After 5 Years in 'Amziah King' as Indie Finally Reaches Theaters
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Aug 10
Matthew McConaughey Returns After 5 Years in 'Amziah King' as Indie Finally Reaches Theaters
2 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Aug 10
Summary
Select theaters get The Rivals of Amziah King on Friday, marking Matthew McConaughey’s first live-action film release tied to a return after a 5-year acting hiatus.
Andrew Patterson said the indie’s path stretched from years of development to a 2023 shoot, a 2025 SXSW premiere and a delayed release after financier Black Bear decided to launch its own distribution arm.
McConaughey said the script’s originality and focus on underdogs drew him back, adding he chose the project over higher-paying films because he wanted the creative tension of an independent production.
Patterson said Denzel Washington had also read the script but sought creative control he would not cede, while McConaughey ultimately became his ideal lead for the Oklahoma-set honey-business drama.
The release lands as Patterson argues smaller films are regaining momentum, pointing to recent breakout performances by indie titles from A24 and Focus as signs of a wider revival.