Nine Ball: Matthew McConaughey & Zach Bryan’s “movie” explained

Leon Miller
Matthew McConaughey and Zach Bryan in Nine Ball

Hollywood A-lister Matthew McConaughey just teamed up with singer-songwriter Zach Bryan for Nine Ball – so, what’s the deal with the project?

Any new production involving McConaughey is automatically an event, given his status as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. The Texas native revitalized his career in the 2010s with a string of acclaimed performances in the likes of Dallas Buyers Club, Magic Mike, and True Detective.

Other high-profile hits McConaughey has appeared in since include Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar and Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street. He’s also reportedly set to headline the as-yet-untitled sequel to Paramount’s hit neo-Western series Yellowstone.

But before that, McConaughey will star in Nine Ball – read on to find out all about it!

Matthew McConaughey & Zach Bryan’s Nine Ball “movie” explained

Nine Ball is a music video for Zach Bryan’s song of the same name, from his 2023 EP Boys of Faith.

It takes place in a bar, and is (unsurprisingly) inspired by the lyrics of “Nine Ball.” The song is written from the perspective of a son whose father is a gambler and explores the impact this has on their relationship. Nine Ball’s promotional poster suggests that McConaughey plays the father character, although this remains speculation for now.

Aside from McConaughey, Nine Ball’s other cast members include Tye Sheridan and Scott Shepard. Matthew Dillon Cohen directed the music video, working from a script by Bryan himself. It’s currently unclear when the music video will drop; Bryan’s social media posts simply state “coming soon.”

Regardless of when Nine Ball ultimately debuts, Bryan’s fanbase is primed to lap it up. Reactions to the music video’s promotional poster were overwhelmingly positive when it arrived on X (formerly Twitter).

“This has Color of Money vibes,” posted one fan. “Good stuff.” “This is sick dude. Let’s go Zach!!” raved a second. “ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHTTTTTT,” added a third, aping McConaughey’s signature phrase. “This is the greatest thing that’s ever happened,” declared a fourth.

What’s more, one supporter is already anticipating Bryan’s next music video. According to this fan, Bryan should team up with one of McConaughey’s most celebrated collaborators next. “CHRISTOPHER NOLAN needs to make a [Zach Bryan] music video,” they wrote.

About The Author

Leon is a freelance Movies and TV writer at Dexerto. His past writing credits include articles for Polygon, Popverse, The Escapist, Screen Rant, CBR, Cultured Vultures, PanelxPanel, Taste of Cinema, and more. Originally from Australia, Leon is currently based in the UK.