Matthew McConaughey's commitment to method acting during the first season of "True Detective" apparently ruffled some feathers, as Woody Harrelson recently admitted he felt like punching his co-star "in the face" on multiple occasions. Harrelson made the revelation during an episode of the "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" podcast, which he co-hosts with Ted Danson.

According to Harrelson, McConaughey fully embodied his character, Rust Cohle, while filming the acclaimed HBO series. "He's method," Harrelson explained. "When we were shooting, he was Rust Cohle. There were so many times I wanted to punch this motherfucker in the face. I'm so pissed at him cause he's in his character."

The first season of "True Detective," which aired in 2014, was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its dark atmosphere, compelling performances, and intricate plot. The series, created by Nic Pizzolatto, followed detectives Rust Cohle (McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Harrelson) as they investigated a series of ritualistic murders in Louisiana.

Method acting, a technique where actors deeply immerse themselves in their roles, has a long and often controversial history in Hollywood. While some praise it for producing authentic and powerful performances, others criticize it for being self-indulgent and disruptive. Industry insiders note that the intensity required for method acting can sometimes strain relationships between actors and create challenging on-set environments.

The cultural impact of "True Detective" extended beyond its immediate success, influencing other crime dramas and contributing to a renewed interest in the Southern Gothic genre. McConaughey's portrayal of Rust Cohle, in particular, became iconic, solidifying his status as a leading actor.

Despite the on-set tensions, Harrelson's comments suggest a level of respect for McConaughey's dedication to his craft. The two actors have a long history of collaboration, having also starred together in films like "Edtv" and "Surfer, Dude." There has been no further comment from McConaughey regarding Harrelson's statements. The podcast episode is currently available on all major podcast platforms.