Matthew McConaughey to Star in 'The Urban Planner'

Coming soon to theaters near you: Academy Award Winner Matthew McConaughey portrays an upstart urban planner who learns to throw away the old code and embrace uncertainty.

1 minute read

April 1, 2015, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Matthew McConaughey

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock

With his career still basking in the glory of the recent "McConaissance," Hollywood star and notorious bohemian type Matthew McConaughey has signed on with a new film called The Urban Planner.

The film is inspired by the success of the Broadway musical If/Then, based in part on the life and work of former New York City Planning Director Amanda Burden.

According to insiders close to the project, McConaughey will play an urban planner stuck in a mid-career rut who uncovers proof of a vast international conspiracy involving property rights and the United Nations. Also he falls in love.

The role will in no way reprise the character played by McConaughey in The Wedding Planner opposite Jennifer Lopez. According to McConaughey's press representation: "We can all agree that was a vapid and soul-destroying film."

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 in Planetizen April 1st Edition

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

7 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

4 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

6 hours ago - Next City