The Status of Owen Wilson's New Projects
Filed under: Comedy, Casting, Celebrities and Controversy, 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Dreamworks, Movie Marketing
Thank goodness that Owen Wilson is okay. Sunday evening, when I first saw reports of his hospitalization, there were rumors of heroin overdose and other implications that the actor might not recover. It is still very, very sad that the truth ended up being attempted suicide -- all I could think of was Luke Wilson's scene in The Royal Tenenbaums and Owen's suicidal moping in Wedding Crashers -- and I realize that he has some serious issues to deal with. But mostly I'm glad he's still with us. Apparently his being alive isn't good enough for some people, who are now thinking only of how Sunday's incident will affect Wilson's box office and/or work schedule. According to the trades this morning, three of the actor's projects may be adversely impacted. The first is Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited, which hits the festival circuit this weekend, starting with Venice, and then opens September 29. Personally, I don't think anyone will mind if Wilson sits out the promotional tour for this one. As his statement on Monday urged, we can certainly leave the guy alone for a bit. Also, this incident should not be looked at as a scandal nor should it be comparable with any of the Lindsay Lohan or Tom Cruise stuff that has affected their respective box office.
The second project that appears (to them) to be in trouble is Tropic Thunder, which is currently filming in Hawaii and in which Wilson is supposed to appear. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his part in the movie is only a cameo, yet it still seems to be a concern that he may be replaced. When prompted for a response regarding the role, DreamWorks issued a statement only saying that, "Filming on Tropic Thunder continues." Finally, 20th Century Fox was asked about whether or not the incident will affect Marley & Me, which starts shooting in January. Fox responded by saying, "It's a totally inappropriate question at this time when all our thoughts and concerns are with his health and well being." Exactly.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-28-2007 @ 4:30PM
erikko said...
i am worried about his pending projects since he was hospitalized. i hope he get well soon
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8-28-2007 @ 11:46PM
akilis said...
The last thing anyone should be thinking of should be his upcoming projects. Like any other kind of work, life comes first, if the worst had happened, other actors would be cast in those movies. His life is more important than when he gets back to work or if he ever does.
Get well soon, Owen.
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8-29-2007 @ 8:34AM
Latisha Kendall said...
I think that the world has become insensative and forgets that OWEN WILSON is only human! Owen you are in my prayers!
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8-29-2007 @ 9:53AM
DaBroad said...
I know that one is supposed to keep as many projects going as one can juggle, but it sounds like the guy may be just wiped out and exhausted. If you let any kind of depression or mental illness go, yeah, you can carry on "normally" for a while, but if you don't take care of yourself and the problem, this is what can happen. It does happen every day, but celebrity can magnify the effects. I hope he takes the time to take care of himself, get what help he needs, and gets healed.
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8-29-2007 @ 11:03AM
Jen said...
I, too, immediately thought of "The Royal Tenenbaums".
It's all so sad and surprising.
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8-29-2007 @ 7:36PM
Jan said...
I agree with akilis that he is more important than any project.
He has a lot of money and hopefully enjoyed making movies and his friends then, now and in the future. He should find an outlet that keeps him away from Hollywood and its never ending vices. Good works towards others in various forms are out there, family and friends, an interesting hobby or two. A good project every so often.
Too much work and probably drugs. This type of suicide attempt is not usually done by a man unless it is driven by detox or a bad trip. It seems to spontaneous for a man; they usually use a gun as they tend to be more violent in their suicide attempts and are usually successful.
I am afraid his DM film is going to go under. Way too soon after this horrific situation. I think his next release and future movies are also in jeopardy. Finding out a comic was really wrestling with very dark issues after the fact (his career) is different than seeing him implode at its height. People just don't want to remember this type of thing when they see his movies.
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8-30-2007 @ 12:39AM
duru said...
What is most important is that he is ok not if his movies are in trouble. People need to be there to suport him. Not worry about a damn movie.
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8-31-2007 @ 4:46PM
faithxp said...
we can't deny that Owen is a great actor, but with his situation today, it is important for him to take a rest and get well soon, before thinking his project's. After his recovering he will be back on those project's.
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