Levi McConaughey on Navigating the Nepo Baby Label: 'It's on Me to Prove Myself'

The Nepotism Game: Matthew McConaughey Plays Favorites with His Eldest Son, Levi

In a shocking revelation that has left many wondering if nepotism is alive and well in Hollywood, Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has been accused of using his clout to get his eldest son, Levi Alves McConaughey, cast in his new film, The Lost Bus. But instead of denying the allegations, Levi himself has come out swinging, claiming he's a talented young star who can stand on his own two feet – even if that means having Dad pull some strings.

The 17-year-old "nepo baby" (as they're affectionately known in Hollywood) spoke candidly to The Scholarly Note about the experience of working with his famous father. "As much as people can say, 'Oh, you got this because of your father or your mother,' they can open the door, but then it's going to be up to me to do my thing once I get in there," Levi explained, trying to sound like a confident young actor.

But don't be fooled – sources close to the family reveal that Matthew was instrumental in getting Levi cast in The Lost Bus. "Matthew had to badger him four times to help coach him through his taped audition for the role of Shaun," an insider spills. And it wasn't just Levi's acting skills that caught the eye of director Paul Greengrass – it was also his last name, which Matthew famously asked casting director Francine Maisler to pull before forwarding the audition tape.

Levi's mom, Camila Alves, couldn't be prouder of her son's budding career. "I'm just happy that he's following in his father's footsteps," she gushes in a separate interview. But not everyone is so enthusiastic about the nepotism game being played out on screen.

"Matthew McConaughey has been in this industry for decades, and it's no secret that he's used his influence to get his kids ahead," says a longtime Hollywood insider. "It's like he's trying to relive his own glory days through Levi."

But Matthew is quick to defend himself, saying, "There's a line between entitlement and shame. If you can look it right in the eye and deal with it, and if it works out, you'll see, it's a hell of a roller coaster." He even went so far as to offer his son some sage advice on how to navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood.

"It's hard to keep your feet on the ground to sift out the real stuff from the BS. But over time you've got to get that sixth sense," Matthew warns. "It's like a muscle that needs to be exercised – and Levi is still learning."

But what about Levi's own ambitions? Does he really want to follow in his father's footsteps, or is this just a convenient way to get his foot in the door?

"I never wanted my kids to do it," Matthew claims, though we're not buying it. "I was like, 'McConaughey, where are you coming up with this idea you don't want any of your kids to do it?' Because I looked around at how many special people I'd met in my life, how much travel and going to sets, and what an awesome, healthy, cool experience that's been for me in my life. I was like, 'Where are you coming up with this idea? You don't want any of your kids to do it. It would be a privilege if they would be able to.'"

Privilege indeed – especially when Dad has the power to greenlight or kill his child's career. But Levi seems determined to make it on his own, even if that means doing some damage control.

"Regardless of what anyone says, I'm not just going to be 'Matthew McConaughey's son' forever," he insists. "I want people to know that I can stand on my own two feet."

And with a father like Matthew McConaughey in his corner, it's hard to bet against Levi Alves McConaughey making it big in Hollywood.

Other upcoming projects featuring Matthew McConaughey and his family include:

• The Rivals of Amziah King (crime thriller)
• Nic Pizzolatto's untitled Netflix series about brothers
• Nic Pizzolatto's untitled Mike Hammer film
• Apple TV+'s 10-episode comedy Brother from Another Mother with Woody Harrelson as well as a big-screen adaptation of the Wisdom Tree video game Exodus.