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Matthew McConaughey reflects on filming with sharks at the Great Barrier Reef for movie Fool’s Gold

Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey – in his best Aussie accent – has shared the blunt advice divers gave him when they saw sharks at the Great Barrier Reef while filming Fool’s Gold.

Matthew McConaughey puts on an Aussie accent

Matthew McConaughey has shared the memorable advice he was given when he encountered sharks while filming a movie in Queensland.

The Hollywood star was offering advice to B105’s Stav, Abby and Matt this week as they prepared to broadcast their Brisbane breakfast show underwater at the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns.

McConaughey – in his best Australian accent – recounted what Australian divers told him during the filming of Fool’s Gold at the iconic Queensland reef in late 2006 and 2007.

Matthew McConaughey in scene from film Fool’s Gold (2008) which filmed in Queensland.
Matthew McConaughey in scene from film Fool’s Gold (2008) which filmed in Queensland.

“I’m going to share something with you that one of the great divers told me when we were down in the Barrier Reef – and there were quite a few sharks coming by,” McConaughey said.

“I was very relaxed with them, but we got to the top and I was like ‘So, should we be relaxed down there with sharks?’

“Australians have these great lines, like, ‘y’know, the Irukandji, it’s not poisonous mate, you just die from the pain.’ You’re like, ‘Oh great, thanks.’

“But on sharks they said like, ‘Don’t worry about it mate, you’re not on the menu.’

Matthew McConaughey appeared in an interview with B105's Stav, Abby and Matt.
Matthew McConaughey appeared in an interview with B105's Stav, Abby and Matt.
Pictures: B105
Pictures: B105

“And I was like, ‘Great way to put it.’

“It helps you relax underwater so when you go out there realise and remember, you’re not on the menu.”

McConaughey filmed Fool’s Gold alongside Kate Hudson in late 2006 and 2007, with locations ranging from Port Douglas to Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach and the Gold Coast.

When asked if the rumour was true that he threw a party at a local Port Douglas pub for his own birthday, the star, 52, replied: “I believe that sounds extremely factual”.

“It was a heck of time, if I remember correctly. I had a great time there in Port Douglas and

Cairns.”

Matthew McConaughey, through company Wild Turkey, has just collaborated with a Melbourne camping start-up, Homecamp, on a one-of-a-kind tent to encourage Aussies to get back into the wilderness
Matthew McConaughey, through company Wild Turkey, has just collaborated with a Melbourne camping start-up, Homecamp, on a one-of-a-kind tent to encourage Aussies to get back into the wilderness

The actor, through company Wild Turkey, has just collaborated with a Melbourne camping start-up, Homecamp, on a one-of-a-kind tent to encourage Aussies to get back into the wilderness after 18 months of lockdowns.

The full interview with McConaughey will air on B105 on Friday morning.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/confidential/matthew-mcconaughey-reflects-on-filming-with-sharks-at-the-great-barrier-reef-for-movie-fools-gold/news-story/51747c19993c7c91399931f8aeb832f1