Matthew McConaughey Explains Why He Picked The Dark Tower Over Guardians Of The Galaxy

When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, scores of Hollywood's top stars have vied for a spot. Some big names have joined the franchise with Benedict Cumberbatch standing as its most recent addition thanks to Doctor Strange. Next year, Marvel Studios has plans to roll out even more movies with a slew of new stars, but one Oscar-winning actor declined a role in the MCU. After being approached about Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Matthew McConaughey walked away from the projects in favor of an ambitious live-action adaptation of Stephen King's The Dark Tower.

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Now, the actor is explaining why just why he chose the latter project over all of Marvel's bids. In an interview with Playboy, the actor was asked about his decision to overlook the MCU in favor of The Dark Tower, and this is what he had to say:

"I like Guardians of the Galaxy, but what I saw was 'It's successful, and now we've got room to make a colorful part for another big-name actor.' I'd feel like an amendment. The Dark Tower script was well written, I like the director and his take on it, and I can be the creator, the author of the Man in Black—a.k.a. the Devil—in my version of this Stephen King novel," he said.

The actor then took a moment to talk about The Dark Tower and reassured fans the film would leave them impressed. "We've done the first one," he explained. "It's a fantastic thriller that takes place in another realm, an alternate universe, but it's very much grounded. For instance, the gunslinger's weapon isn't a lightsaber or something; it's a pistol. I enjoyed approaching my character as if I were the Devil having a good time, getting turned on by exposing human hypocrisies wherever he finds them."

So far, there's been no footage released from The Dark Tower aside from a briefly leaked teaser trailer. The movie's release date was pushed back until Summer 2017 not long ago, but fans have been told a final trailer is expected to drop for The Dark Tower shortly after the new year. Hopefully, the gig was well-worth McConaughey's decision to leave the MCU be.

Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

MORE: Alan Tudyk Wants To Join Guardians Vol. 2 / Vin Diesel Says Groot And Hulk Will Fight / Vin Diesel Says Rocket And Groot Movie A Possibility / Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Official Trailer / James Gunn Talks Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Trailer

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2017.