**Matthew McConaughey Takes on Beekeeping Role and Allergic Surprise in ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’**
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In his latest film, *The Rivals of Amziah King*, set to be released in UK theatres on August 14, Matthew McConaughey portrays a beekeeping bluegrass musician who runs a honey business. The film explores the dynamics between his character and his former foster daughter, played by Angelina LookingGlass, as they navigate personal and professional challenges in the competitive honey industry.
The 56-year-old actor recently opened up about an unexpected twist in his on-set experience: discovering he is allergic to bee stings. In an interview with *PEOPLE*, McConaughey shared that he had a rather sudden reaction during the filming. “I got stung early and found out that I was very allergic,” he recalled. This revelation added a layer of complexity to his role, as he had to manage his health while executing scenes involving real bees.
In the film, McConaughey’s character, Amziah King, ideally teaches his former foster daughter about beekeeping, all the while facing off against competitors who wish to undermine his success. McConaughey’s allergy introduced a sense of urgency and caution during shooting, particularly on days when scenes involving numerous bees were scheduled. “If I got stung again, it would have been four days with no Amziah on camera because he’d be swollen up,” he quipped, reflecting on the challenges of portraying a beekeeper while grappling with this newfound allergy.
The actor further indicated that careful planning was in place for scenes where he needed to interact closely with the bees. One particular sequence, where his character is depicted surrounded by thousands of bees, was filmed with great care at the end of the schedule. “That was done at the end of shooting, and they didn’t want me to get stung and have to take me out of the film,” he said, light-heartedly indicating the potential disaster that could arise from his allergic reaction.
In a humorous turn, McConaughey compared his own experience with bees to that of his co-star, LookGlass, who said she endured multiple stings throughout the shooting process. “But you’re not allergic,” he noted, teasing her resilience. “She could be camera-ready 30 seconds later. I was very allergic; if I got stung, I was not going to be on camera for five days.”
During a Q&A session that took place after a special screening of the film in New York, McConaughey detailed his encounter with an unexpected bee sting prior to filming. “The beekeeper asked me if I was allergic,” he recounted. “I said, ‘Absolutely not,’ and he goes, ‘We’ll know if you are or not in 20 minutes.’” The incident unfolded dramatically as McConaughey experienced swelling that led to a loss of vision, ultimately confirming his allergy.
*The Rivals of Amziah King* made its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, showcasing a blend of drama and humour complemented by stunning visuals from the honey business world. Alongside McConaughey and LookingGlass, the cast includes notable names such as Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori, and Kurt Russell.
Reflecting on the production, McConaughey affirmed that all the bees featured in the film were genuine. “That’s my hand and my arm, and I’m getting tired,” he commented about the intricate sequence where he holds a swarm of bees. He described a lengthy process to set the scene perfectly, capturing the moment as bees gathered around a queen, illustrating the meticulous nature of working with live animals on set.
When asked about safety measures and insurance relating to bee stings during a panel discussion, McConaughey humorously remarked, “That’s what I’m saying – last day of shooting. We don’t need you anymore, we’ve got you on screen, McConaughey, good luck, buh-bye.” This light-hearted approach highlights the inherent risks of filmmaking, especially when nature is involved.
*The Rivals of Amziah King* promises to deliver an engaging narrative that mixes personal growth and the challenges of the business world within the charming backdrop of music and beekeeping. As McConaughey juggles his performing career with his newfound allergy, audiences can look forward to a film filled with authentic moments and compelling storytelling when it hits cinemas on August 14.