Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are leaning into the long-standing rumors that they might be biological brothers in their new Apple TV+ comedy series, "Brothers." The official trailer for the show, which premieres September 23, offers a glimpse into the premise where two fictitious versions of themselves discover a potential familial link.
The series sees Harrelson unexpectedly arrive at McConaughey's ranch in Austin, Texas, after his daughter's engagement ends. It's there that McConaughey's mother, Ma Mac (Holland Taylor), reveals a secret that has long fueled speculation: that the two friends might actually be brothers. Harrelson's character is driven to uncover the truth, while McConaughey's character contemplates a run for Governor of Texas.
"Brothers" is an eight-episode half-hour comedy. The trailer features playful banter between the two stars, including a moment where McConaughey, an Oscar winner, quiets Harrelson by asking him to recall his own Oscar status. The cast also includes Natalie Martinez, Ella Grace Helton, Noah Carganilla, Oona Yaffe, Nolan Almeida, and Highdee Kuan, with a cameo from Dax Shepard.
The trailer was released across social media on Tuesday. This new series is inspired by real-life speculation that began when McConaughey's mother, Mary Kathlene 'Kay' McConaughey, reportedly told Harrelson that she knew his father. The actors, who have been close friends for years, were born in Texas, with McConaughey born in Uvalde and Harrelson in Midland.
Further details suggest that Harrelson's father, Charles Voyde Harrelson, a convicted contract killer, may have been on furlough around the time McConaughey's parents were divorcing, adding a layer of complexity to the long-speculated connection. Harrelson had limited contact with his father, who abandoned the family when he was young, and later visited him in prison until his death in 2007. While Harrelson is reportedly open to confirming or denying the potential relation, McConaughey has expressed hesitation, concerned about disrupting his understanding of his own family history.
Both actors served as executive producers on the series. McConaughey himself has playfully alluded to the rumors in the past, captioning a birthday post for Harrelson on Instagram with, "From another mother? Happy birthday, brother."