Matthew McConaughey’s teenage son captivated attention on the red carpet during the debut of the intense new drama “The Lost Bus”—and viewers are all making the same observation.
It was an evening of cinematic prestige, family tradition, and red carpet disclosures as Matthew McConaughey, 55, appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival—but it was his son Levi McConaughey who became the center of attention.
The Academy Award-winning performer attended the global premiere of his gripping new biographical film, “The Lost Bus,” on Friday, September 5, and brought more than just his celebrity status—he brought his own son, who also appears in the film as his co-star.
The dazzling occasion, held at the Princess of Wales Theatre, signified Levi’s first red carpet appearance as a film actor—and fans were quick to note his remarkable similarity to his famous mother, Camila Alves.
Levi, only 17, made a stylish entrance wearing a contemporary version of classic Hollywood attire: a sharp white shirt, black vest, wide-leg trousers, and a striking red pocket square that drew notice. A draped fringed scarf contributed a touch of bohemian elegance—a homage to his father’s well-known relaxed aesthetic.
Beside him, Matthew exuded confidence in a double-breasted taupe suit, clean shirt, and smooth black tie. The father and son pair walked the carpet with Matthew’s spouse, Camila Alves, and his mother, Mary Kathlene McCabe, bringing a three-generation brilliance to the night.
But it was Levi’s distinctive appearance that ignited social media.
“He has his mother’s eyes,” one admirer exclaimed. “He looks just like his mother,” another agreed. “Resembles his mom but has his dad’s curly hair,” a third added.
Some were less complimentary toward the father. “Looks nothing like his father,” one commenter noted. “Levi is going to be more attractive than his dad,” another stated.
In “The Lost Bus,” Matthew and Levi play father and son Kevin McKay and Shaun. The movie tracks a school bus driver and a teacher racing against time and danger to rescue a group of children stuck inside a school bus during a catastrophic fire.
The compelling survival story, which also features America Ferrera, represents Levi’s formal acting introduction—and it nearly didn’t occur.
“He’s introducing himself and I happen to be alongside him and in some of the same scenes of him which is pretty cool,” Matthew shared with E! News in a red carpet discussion.“Three generations. My mother has always been a performer and so she’s been in films. I had no idea he was even interested.”
According to Matthew, Levi had to ask repeatedly before his father finally considered his request.
“He came back four times asking me, ‘Can I read for it?’” the actor remembered. “They got him on camera, read for it and I said ‘Wow, he can hold the frame, hes got the instinct for it.[sic]”
The ultimate choice was given to director Paul Greengrass, who watched Levi’s audition recording and was immediately persuaded.
Even Levi was surprised when he received the news.
“I knew it was a good audition and I was like, ‘OK. This is good,’” he said. “But I did not think I was going to get the part.”
Now, with the film scheduled to open in select theaters on September 19 and stream on Apple TV+ starting October 3, audiences will finally see Levi’s evolution from teenager to prominent actor—and the start of a new McConaughey dynasty.
For a retrospective look, see Levi’s change from young child to emerging actor in the impressive photos below.
Photo Captions (Paraphrased):
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2010: A young Levi holds his father’s hand on a trip to the Central Park Zoo in New York City.
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2010: A stylish Levi, wearing a fedora, walks with his mother in Soho while a nanny carries his baby sister.
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2011: Dressed in a suit, Levi walks hand-in-hand with his father in Santa Monica as his mother follows with his sister.
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2012: Levi, looking sharp, accompanies his father in Santa Monica.
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2013: Showing innate style, Levi walks through New York City with his mother, wearing a coat and sneakers.
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2014: Levi wears a light blue suit to a family gala in Austin, Texas.
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2014: Dressed in a bright blue shirt, Levi attends a Red Sox game with his father at Fenway Park.
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2016: A teenage Levi steps out in New York City in a button-down shirt and sneakers beside his dad.
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2019: Looking mature in a plaid suit, Levi attends an awards ceremony in Austin where his father is honored.
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2023: Levi makes a fashion statement in a checked suit at a Stella McCartney show during Paris Fashion Week.
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2024: Now grown up, Levi looks polished in a tailored suit at a gala in Austin, Texas.
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2025: Levi stuns in a black-and-white outfit at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere.
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2025: Levi poses with his father, Matthew McConaughey, at the world premiere in Toronto.
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2025: Three generations of the family smile together on the red carpet at the premiere.
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2025: The McConaughey family shares a warm, united moment on the red carpet in Toronto.