Legendary comedic actor Owen Wilson has taken on some dramatic roles more recently in his Hollywood career. That included a bomb of a movie with Salma Hayek titled “Bliss” back in 2021.
But no one is going to mistake Wilson for someone prepared to star in a biopic. He’s better known for “Wedding Crashers” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” among other comedies.
So, the 55-year-old Wilson had to be a bit surprised when he was approached about a role in an upcoming O.J. Simpson movie.
Here’s the backstory.
Wilson just recently had lunch with a director by the name of Joshua Newton. It quickly turned to Newton’s soon-to-be-released film titled “The Juice.” This had been in the works since back in 2015, a little less than a decade before Simpson died at the age of 76 earlier in April. It’s set to be released in October of 2025.
The film’s plot involves a real-life attorney by the name of Douglas McCann. Apparently, Newton wanted Wilson to play that role. He was even offered $12 million to be casted.
Related: Caitlyn Jenner, Ronald Goldman’s Father, And More React To OJ Simpson’s Death
Issue With Owen Wilson Being Casted In O.J. Simpson Movie
The problem? McCann was involved in several conspiracy theories in relation to Simpson’s 1995 criminal trial in which he was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend, Ronald Goldman.
As you likely already know, the Pro Football Hall of Famer was acquitted despite ample evidence showing that he did in fact murder the two.
This is where it gets interesting in relation to Wilson. Newton wanted him to portray someone who believed in the conspiracy theories that Juice was innocent and had been framed by authorities in Southern California.
As you might expect, Wilson’s reaction was not kind.
“Owen Wilson was perfect for the role. I actually had a meeting with him in Santa Monica. Everybody loved the script.
His agent wanted him to do it. We offered him $12 million. But at the end of the lunch, Owen stood up and said, ‘If you think I’m going to take the lead role in a movie about how O.J. didn’t do it, you’ve got to be kidding me.’ ”
Newton on offering Owen Wilson starring role in O.J. Simpson movie, via The Hollywood Reporter
Newton did indicate that he found the “perfect” actor to play the role. But he wouldn’t name the individual. Perhaps, someone willing to sell their soul for millions? Are Al Cowlings and Kato Kaelin available? Maybe, one of the Kardashian kids? Too far? I don’t care. It’s hilarious.
Wilson has a net worth of north of $70 million. He is not in need of money. Why put your reputation on the line?
“The Juice” Trailer About O.J. Simpson Is … Something Else
As for the movie itself, it stars Boris Kodjoe as O.J. Simpson. The trailer depicts Simpson in an electric chair for shock value (very punny, right?)
OK. That might not be funny. What about the video? You be the judge.
Really, I am not too sure how to feel here. Mixed feelings. Mixed emotions. Pretty much like all of America that watched Simpson’s trial on live television 30 years ago.
Some of you might also know Kodjoe for his role of Robert Sullivan on the TV drama “Station 19.”
Charlotte Kirk is slated to play Nicole Brown Simpson. She’s known for bombs such as “The Reckoning” and “The Lair.”
Yeah, this is going to be a blast. A blast in a listening to Roseanne sing while several fingernails scratch at the chalkboard as you chew aluminum foil type of way. Self-masochism level stuff.
Rightfully, Owen Wilson made the sound decision not to be involved. Good on him.