Owen Wilson’s Dream Collaboration: Why He’s Set on the Coen Brothers
Owen Wilson has his sights set on working with the Coen brothers, despite past run-ins with other directors. Find out why this partnership is at the top of his wish list.
Owen Wilson’s not likely to pop up in Quentin Tarantino’s much-hyped final film, and it’s not for lack of talent. Tarantino’s made it clear he can’t stand the bloke, going so far as to say he “really can’t stand” Wilson, even though he starred in a film Tarantino rates as one of his favourites this century. Wilson’s turn in ‘Midnight in Paris’ even scored him a Golden Globe nod, but that hasn’t softened Tarantino’s view. It’s not the first time Tarantino’s taken the mickey out of someone in the industry, and probably won’t be the last. But does Wilson lose sleep over it? Hardly.
For three decades, Wilson’s worked with some of the most recognisable names in the business, including auteurs with reputations as colourful as their films. He’s teamed up with Woody Allen, and his long-running partnership with Wes Anderson goes all the way back to ‘Bottle Rocket’. Along the way, he’s been directed by James L Brooks, Michael Bay, and Paul Thomas Anderson, and shared scenes with everyone from Eddie Murphy and Jackie Chan to Gene Hackman and Jon Voight. With a career this varied, it’s safe to say he’s not short on opportunities.
From Comedy to Action: Wilson’s Versatility
Though many punters associate Wilson with Anderson’s quirky worlds, he’s covered just about every genre you can think of. He’s popped up in the Marvel universe, played it straight in thrillers, flexed his comedic chops, and even had a wild moment tossing a baby off a rooftop in ‘No Escape’. There’s not much he hasn’t had a crack at, and he’s shown he can handle just about anything thrown his way.
Despite all this, Wilson’s still got a few names on his wish list. When asked by Screen Crush about directors he’s keen to work with, he didn’t hesitate.
“I love the Coen brothers,” Wilson said. “I guess that would be the one. They’re great.”
It’s easy to picture him fitting right in with the Coens’ offbeat style, even if the brothers are currently working separately and their reunion is still up in the air.
Chasing the Coens: Will It Happen?
The Coen brothers have their own stable of regulars, but there’s always room for a fresh face. Wilson’s keen to join their ranks, but whether they’re just as keen is another story. If they were, you’d reckon he’d have landed a role by now. Still, if the siblings decide to get the band back together and shake up their usual casting, Wilson could be a top pick for their next project.
For now, Wilson’s content to keep doing what he does best—taking on a bit of everything, working with a who’s who of directors, and waiting for the right moment to step into the Coens’ world. If and when that day comes, it’ll be a collaboration worth watching.