Matthew McConaughey to Direct 4-D Movie with Cannabis Aroma Effects
Most people have experienced a 3-D movie at least once—those screenings where you put on special plastic glasses to see images pop out of the screen. But 3-D is no longer the most immersive cinema experience available. Some theaters now offer effects like moving seats and even scents. Actor Matthew McConaughey plans to take advantage of these technologies for his new film, aiming to let audiences enjoy the movie surrounded by clouds of cannabis aroma filling the theater.
A True Cannabis Enthusiast
McConaughey, who has become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in recent years, is returning to his roots for this personal project. The upcoming film is set to be a classic “stoner” comedy, following in the footsteps of legends like Cheech and Chong.
McConaughey’s first major movie role was as a party-loving stoner in Dazed and Confused. It’s likely he landed the part because his real-life personality matched the character so well. Even today, McConaughey is known for his love of wild parties and, of course, his appreciation for marijuana.
He has a colorful history with cannabis. For example, in 1999, Texas police arrested him for smoking marijuana on his porch while loudly playing the bongo drums in the middle of the night. Notably, when the cops arrived, McConaughey greeted them completely naked.
“I never really understood what law I was breaking by peacefully smoking marijuana and playing the bongos naked in my own home,” the now 47-year-old actor said in a recent interview with Playboy magazine. “What I can tell you for sure is that I don’t regret my love for this plant,” he added, making it clear he’s not shy about his hobby.
“To be honest, I did learn one important lesson that day: if you feel like playing the bongos after a joint, it’s probably best to do it indoors, not outside. At two in the morning, neighbors don’t appreciate that kind of improvisation—especially when it comes with ‘smoke signals.’”
A Comedy with Snoop Dogg
According to McConaughey, his new project will be called Beach Bum, and he’ll be starring alongside the famous rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg.
The film will be directed by cult favorite Harmony Korine, who supports McConaughey’s idea of making a movie designed for 4-D effects. The plan is to equip premiere theaters with background bongo drum music and vaporizers that release the scent of different cannabis strains. It wouldn’t be surprising if, closer to the premiere, McConaughey even invites audiences to bring their own buds and light up in the comfort of the theater—perhaps even in their birthday suits.
Other than the title and general concept, few details about the plot have been revealed. However, Deadline reports that McConaughey will play a “beach bum and slacker” known as Moondog, and that the film will be “a slightly silly but fun and enjoyable comedy about classic California stoners and hippies.”
Of course, not every theater will be able to offer the technology needed for this unique premiere. For now, it’s expected that the full 4-D “stoner session” experience will only be available in select theaters in major California cities.