Anyone who has been following filmmaker Harmony Korine’s career knows what a bizarre and turbulent ride it’s been. After breaking on to the scene in 1995 as writer of the landmark coming of age film Kids, Korine went on to a filmmaking career that has never pulled any punches or followed any rules. His behavior over the years has resulted in a rehab stint as well as being banned from Late Night With David Letterman, but by 2013, Korine found success with Spring Breakers and a genuine breath of fresh air seemed to rejuvenate his work.

At the same turn, Matthew McConaughey’s acting career has gone through its own series of ups and downs. From a period where he seemed destined to only play the freewheeling ladies man in rom-coms, to Oscar glory for his mesmerizing work in 2013’s Dallas Buyers Club, McConaughey experienced a career rejuvenation as the result of sudden success. It would seem, then, that an ideal pairing could very well be Harmony Korine and Matthew McConaughey.

Well, if the idea of Matthew McConaughey and Harmony Korine working on a film together is appealing to you, then you’re in luck. Variety is reporting that McConaughey is confirmed to star in Korine’s upcoming latest, The Beach Bum. The film will mark Korine’s followup to Spring Breakers and is set to begin principal photography this July. As per usual, Korine will handle both writing and directing duties. According to an official statement on the film’s premise:

“‘The Beach Bum’ follows the hilarious misadventures of Moondog, a rebellious and lovable rogue who lives life large.”

In addition, John Lesher, one of The Beach Bum’s producers, had this to say:

“In ‘The Beach Bum,’ Harmony has crafted the perfect movie for our dark and serious time — a refreshingly original, irreverent, and hilarious stoner comedy that only he could create.”

Lastly, Thorsten Schumacher, CEO of Rocket Science said:

“McConaughey’s Moondog character is pure charisma — a force of nature and an uncompromising maverick with a lust for life and everything it throws at him. ‘The Beach Bum’ brings together an incredible team of acting, directing and producing talent.”

Harmony Korine

Rocket Science will handle The Beach Bum’s international sales. Previous reports had Harmony Korine lined up to direct The Trap, starring Idris Elba, Al Pacino, Robert Pattinson, James Franco and Benecio del Toro. However, that project was indefinitely sidelined after Korine had an issue with one of the actors. The Beach Bum will be Korine’s next film and so far its star power is pretty substantial. There’s no word as of this writing who else will join the production, but there’s a strong chance that McConaughey won’t be the only familiar face working with Korine this time around.

The world has changed a lot since the early days of Korine’s career when he was running around New York City with a camera, filming himself getting beaten up. An exploration of a laid back smooth talker – the likes of which McConaughey can excel at – could be just what audiences need right now. In fact, The Beach Bum sounds vaguely like The Dude for the 21st century – a feel good character of the times, as only Harmony Korine could create.

Screen Rant will keep you updated on The Beach Bum as more news arrives.

Source: Variety