Owen Wilson Declines Role in Film Depicting O.J. Simpson as Innocent
Actor Owen Wilson has reportedly refused a leading role in an upcoming film titled ‘The Juice,’ which takes a satirical approach to the O.J. Simpson murder trial and portrays Simpson as innocent. The film’s director, Joshua Newton, had initially approached Wilson for the role of Douglas McCann, a real-life attorney who delved into the conspiracy theories surrounding the case.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Newton expressed dismay over Wilson’s decision, stating that he believed the actor was well-suited for the part. He explained that they had a meeting in Santa Monica where everyone involved was enthusiastic about the script. Wilson’s agent had also shown interest, and the team offered him a substantial $12 million for the role. However, as the lunch meeting concluded, Wilson abruptly declined the offer, expressing disbelief that anyone would believe he would play a lead role in a film suggesting Simpson’s innocence.
Production of ‘The Juice,’ which was originally titled ‘Nicole & OJ,’ remains ongoing. Station 19’s Boris Kodjoe will portray Simpson, while Charlotte Kirk (Ocean’s 8) will play Nicole Brown Simpson. Newton aims to complete the film by October 3rd, the 29th anniversary of Simpson’s not-guilty verdict. Simpson passed away earlier this month at the age of 76 due to cancer.
Simpson’s high-profile murder trial has been the subject of numerous film and television adaptations. Notably, the ‘American Horror Story’ series ‘The People vs OJ Simpson’ garnered significant attention in 2016. Additionally, ESPN produced an eight-hour documentary series titled ‘OJ: Made in America,’ which explored the trial and its wider context, including race relations in the United States. The documentary won an Oscar for Best Documentary in 2017, becoming the longest film to win the award. Producer Ezra Edelman dedicated the statuette to Nicole Brown Simpson, Ronald Goldman, their families, and victims of police brutality.
Despite overwhelming evidence and a lack of viable alternative suspects, Simpson was acquitted of the 1994 murders. The televised trial captivated the nation, exposing the deep racial divides within American society and highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the feminist movement. It is also credited with contributing to the rise of reality television.
