Matthew Michael Carnahan

Biography

Matthew Michael Carnahan is an American screenwriter, producer, and director known for his gripping political thrillers and action-packed dramas. His work often explores themes of war, government conspiracies, and moral dilemmas, making him a respected voice in Hollywood. Carnahan has written acclaimed films such as The Kingdom (2007), Lions for Lambs (2007), State of Play (2009), and World War Z (2013). His storytelling style is known for its intensity, realism, and thought-provoking narratives.

Early Life and Background

Matthew Michael Carnahan was born on May 6, 1972, in the United States. He is the younger brother of filmmaker Joe Carnahan, known for directing action films like Smokin’ Aces (2006) and The Grey (2011). Coming from a creative family, Carnahan developed a strong interest in storytelling and filmmaking early on.

Before making a name in Hollywood, he studied and worked as a political science professor. His deep understanding of politics and global affairs would later influence the themes in his screenplays.

Screenwriting Career

Carnahan’s breakthrough in Hollywood came with his original screenplay The Kingdom (2007), a political thriller directed by Peter Berg and starring Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, and Chris Cooper. The film, which explores the FBI’s investigation of a terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia, received positive reviews for its action sequences and geopolitical themes.

Following The Kingdom, he wrote Lions for Lambs (2007), a war drama directed by Robert Redford, starring Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Redford himself. The film focused on U.S. foreign policy and the moral consequences of war, highlighting Carnahan’s ability to craft thought-provoking narratives.

In 2009, he worked on State of Play, a political thriller based on the British TV series of the same name. The film, starring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, and Rachel McAdams, delved into investigative journalism and government corruption. It was praised for its engaging storyline and sharp dialogue.

Carnahan’s biggest commercial success came in 2013 with World War Z, a zombie apocalypse thriller starring Brad Pitt. Although the film faced production challenges, it became a global box-office hit, earning over $540 million worldwide.

He continued his career with films like Deepwater Horizon (2016), a dramatization of the 2010 BP oil spill disaster, which received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the event. He also co-wrote 21 Bridges (2019), a crime thriller starring Chadwick Boseman.

Directorial Debut

In 2021, Carnahan made his directorial debut with Mosul, a war drama based on real-life events. The film, produced by the Russo brothers (Avengers: Endgame), tells the story of an Iraqi SWAT team fighting ISIS in the battle to reclaim Mosul. The movie was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, solidifying Carnahan as a talented director.