Striking a Chord: Matthew McConaughey's 'Months' of Mandolin Mastery for 'The Rivals of Amziah King'

Matthew McConaughey picked up a new skill for his latest role! The 56-year-old movie star revealed that he spent "months" learning to play the mandolin and sing for his latest movie, The Rivals of Amziah King.

During a Q&A after a screening of the film at Angelika Film Center in New York City on Wednesday, Aug. 12, where PEOPLE was in attendance, McConaughey said he prepared for the musical parts of the movie with "months of mandolin, trying to get comfortable with it." He continued, "Once you get comfortable with it, then you have to sing as well. And that can be like walking and chewing gum at the same time. I would still say I'm probably a better singer when I'm not playing the mandolin that well. And I'm a better mandolin player when I'm not singing that well."

The Oscar winner, who also knows how to play the bongo drums, said he had a trick to perform his musical scenes. When performing a fast-paced song in the opening, he said, "I had to write the first word of each line on the post that's holding up one of the drive-in overhangs behind the camera. We couldn't get a teleprompter camera."

A New Kind of Role

The movie features McConaughey as the titular honey farmer and bluegrass musician as he faces threats to his business and his family. "When Amziah's estranged foster daughter unexpectedly returns, Amziah leaps at the possibility to renew connection and create a family business. But the honey game is ruthless, and Amziah's rivals threaten to destroy everything he has built," a synopsis teases.

Directed by Andrew Patterson and written by James Montague, the film also stars Angelina LookingGlass, Cole Sprouse, Scott Shepherd, Jake Horowitz and Kurt Russell. Patterson, who was also in attendance at the event with McConaughey, Sprouse and Horowitz, reflected on the importance of music in the movie. "I knew I wanted to see a movie that had narrative purpose behind each song, not just stop the movie," the director said.

Music as Narrative

The decision to integrate music so deeply into the film was not taken lightly. Patterson's vision was to create a story where the songs serve the plot, rather than merely serving as interludes. This approach gave McConaughey's character a rich, layered depth that audiences have come to expect from the actor.

McConaughey's dedication to the role extended beyond the screen. He immersed himself in the world of bluegrass music and beekeeping, spending time with real-life musicians and honey farmers to capture the authenticity of his character. His preparation paid off, as early reviews have praised his performance as both heartfelt and compelling.

A Family Affair

McConaughey recently made a rare appearance with his family during a special viewing of the movie in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 10. He was photographed posing with his wife Camila Alves McConaughey, 43, and their three kids: Levi, 18, Livingston, 13, and Vida, 16. The family gathering was a testament to the actor's commitment to balancing his demanding career with his role as a husband and father.

The actor recently starred in 2025's The Lost Bus. He released his third book, Poems & Prayers, that same year. The book reflects his personal reflections on life, fame, and creativity, offering fans a glimpse into the mind of one of Hollywood's most thoughtful stars.

The Film's Release

The Rivals of Amziah King hits theaters on Aug. 14. With its blend of music, drama, and heartfelt storytelling, the film promises to be a standout addition to McConaughey's already impressive filmography. For fans of the actor, the film offers a chance to see him in a role that showcases his versatility, from dramatic depth to musical talent.