- Owen Wilson turned down an O.J. Simpson movie
- It was meant to be a satire film
- THIS is why the actor said no
In a surprising turn of events, Owen Wilson declines a lucrative $12 million offer to lead in 'The Juice,' a satirical film exploring O.J. Simpson's potential innocence. Amidst Hollywood's buzz, Wilson's principled stance sparks conversations. Let's look at the whirlwind of drama, decisions, and the search for the perfect Douglas McCann.
This movie could have broken the internet
"Owen Wilson was perfect for the role," director Joshua Newton told 'The Hollywood Reporter' in a story published Wednesday, April 24. "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."
Newton continued, "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.’"
Hollywood's golden boy, Owen Wilson, has once again made headlines, but this time it's not for a blockbuster hit or a quirky indie film. In a jaw-dropping revelation, Wilson turned down a whopping eight-figure deal to star in a movie about one of the most controversial figures in American history.
Joshua Newton, the visionary director behind 'The Juice,' envisioned Wilson as the ideal Douglas McCann, a character entangled in conspiracy theories during the infamous 1995 murder trial. Despite the script winning over hearts and an enticing $12 million dangling before him, Wilson stood firm.
"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,” Wilson declared, leaving the project in search of its star.
With Wilson out, Newton hints at a mysterious actor "spot on" for the role, joining the likes of Boris Kodjoe as Simpson and Charlotte Kirk as Nicole Brown. The film, with 30 minutes already in the can, promises to stir the pot with its satirical take on the trial that gripped the nation.
A teaser released showcases Kodjoe in an electric chair, a stark departure from the O.J. Simpson the world thought they knew. "Feel better now? You haven’t seen anything yet," teases the clip, setting the stage for a film that's bound to challenge perceptions.
The refusal has reignited interest in how celebrities envision their biopic counterparts. From Dolly Parton to Justin Bieber, the fantasy of seeing one's life on the silver screen is a tantalizing thought.
Yet, Wilson's decision underscores the complexities of such portrayals, especially when delving into America's contentious legal and cultural history.
As 'The Juice' inches closer to completion, it's impossible not to reflect on Simpson's legacy. Acquitted yet found liable in a civil suit, Simpson's story remains a polarizing chapter in American history, one that 'The Juice' aims to explore with a mix of satire and solemnity.
An interesting take
Newton said roughly 30 minutes of the movie has already been completed, a snippet of which can be seen in a teaser released Tuesday, April 23.
In the clip, Kodjoe can be seen strapped to an electric chair with sparks shooting off the sides of his head and smoke billowing from his mouth.
"Think of the real O.J.," Kodjoe says while stuttering. "Not this lost person."
The teaser ends with a title card reading: "Feel better now? You haven’t seen anything yet." Originally titled 'Nicole & O.J.', the movie has been in development for years
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Owen Wilson's bold refusal to partake in 'The Juice' speaks volumes about the actor's principles and the intricate dance between Hollywood and history.
As the film progresses towards its 2025 release, one thing is clear: the conversation around O.J. Simpson, and the stories we choose to tell about him, is far from over.
