Who else could have played Matthew?
There aren't many actors who could pull off playing a borderline saint character like Matthew. One that comes to mind that I think could have done it is Jim Caviezel (and that doesn't just come from him playing Jesus in 'The Passion of the Christ'; I was a fan of his and imagined him playing Matthew long before 'The Passion'). I can't really think of any other actors pulling it off, though.
Then again, I wouldn't have necessarily thought Matt Dillon, and he did a wonderful job!
***
Rock 'n' roll comme ci, rock 'n' roll comme ca, rock 'n' roll que sera sera!