We already know that Josh Boone’s big-screen and ambitious visualization of The Stand will span four films in order to fully capture the epic scope of Stephen King’s 1978 post-apocalyptic tome, but today an unconfirmed report has tipped Interstellar star Matthew McConaughey to play one of the series’ lead villains, Randall Flagg.
For now, we’ll have to file this tidbit firmly in the rumor cabinet, but the report does align with what we’ve previously heard about Boone’s adaptation. In fact, the Fault in our Stars helmer recently revealed that the final product would contain a cast that would, and we quote, “blow people’s minds,” while also confirming that there are several roles that have already been filled that we don’t know about yet. Could McConaughey’s Flagg be one of those?
Here’s what the director had to say a few days ago:
We’re going to do The Stand at the highest level you can do it at, with a cast that’s going to blow people’s minds. We’ve already been talking to lots of people, and have people on board in certain roles that people don’t know about…
For those who aren’t already aware, Randall Flagg is a devious yet charismatic cowboy figure who also served as a marine before the world went to hell in a handcart. With that in mind, it would appear as though McConaughey would be, at the very least, a strong contender for the coveted role given that the actor has been on the streak of his life following standout performances in Dallas Buyers Club and as the scenery-chewing Rusty Cohle in True Detective.
Currently, we understand that Warner Bros. plans to begin filming on The Stand in the early stages of 2015. But until then, tell us, do you think Matthew McConaughey is the right choice to embody such a magnetic screen presence — potentially, at least — let us know below.