Matthew McConaughey’s Shocking Secret: He Hid Son Levi’s Last Name During ‘The Lost Bus’ Audition

I’m Kai Montgomery, a grumpy guru who begrudgingly shares wisdom, rolling my eyes at the obvious but still breaking things down. As I dive into the latest celebrity news, I’m reminded that even the most seasoned stars can be surprised by their own family members’ talents. Take Matthew McConaughey, for instance, who recently revealed that he hid his son Levi’s last name during the audition process for his new film, “The Lost Bus.”

The true story drama, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, stars McConaughey as a school bus driver who, alongside a dedicated school teacher, battles to save 22 children from the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. But what’s even more remarkable is that McConaughey’s 17-year-old son, Levi, makes his acting debut in the film. According to McConaughey, Levi’s interest in acting wasn’t something he was initially aware of. However, when he pitched the script to his family, Levi expressed interest in the role of Kevin McKay’s son.

McConaughey recalled that Levi asked him about the character’s age and, upon learning it was around his own age, asked if he could audition for the part. The Oscar winner was hesitant at first but eventually agreed to let Levi try out. To prepare, McConaughey worked with Levi on a scene and sent the footage to casting director Francine Maisler. But here’s the surprising part: McConaughey asked Maisler to remove Levi’s last name from the submission, so it would be anonymous. “I said, ‘When you do that, will you do me one favor? Will you pull the last name off so it’s just, there’s no McConaughey on the end of that?'” McConaughey revealed.

Maisler agreed, and when director Paul Greengrass saw the footage, he was impressed, saying, “That’s the guy, that’s the son.” Only then was Greengrass told that the young actor was, in fact, Matthew McConaughey’s son. The director’s response? “Even better!” McConaughey credits Greengrass for bringing his family into the film, saying, “My family’s in this film because of this man to the left.”

“The Lost Bus” is based on true events from the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, which remains one of the deadliest wildfires in California’s history. The film features a star-studded cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis as a producer, along with America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson, and Spencer Watson. McConaughey’s wife, Camila Alves McConaughey, and his mom, Kay, also have roles in the film.

As for McConaughey’s approach to acting and family, he has been open about the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing his personal life. In 2014, he and his family relocated to Texas, a decision he discussed on the “Good Trouble With Nick Kyrgios” podcast. McConaughey emphasized the value of saying “no” and not overcommitting, stating, “The devil’s in the infinite yeses, not the nos.” He added, “No becomes more important than yes,” especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

With “The Lost Bus,” McConaughey continues to showcase his versatility as an actor, taking on a role that allows him to explore themes of hope and resilience. As for Levi, it’s clear that he’s following in his father’s footsteps, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young actor.

And that, dear reader, is why family dynamics can be just as captivating as any blockbuster film.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed