Owen Wilson recently made headlines for turning down a lucrative $12 million offer to star in a controversial film titled The Juice, depicting O.J. Simpson as innocent of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. Directed by Joshua Newton, the film, described as a “satirical thriller,” explores various conspiracy theories surrounding Simpson’s infamous 1995 murder trial.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Newton shared insights into the casting process, highlighting Wilson as the ideal choice for the role of Douglas McCann, an attorney who delved into the trial’s conspiracy narratives. Despite enthusiastic support from Wilson’s agent and an enticing financial offer, the actor declined the opportunity, expressing discomfort with the film’s premise. At the conclusion of a meeting in Santa Monica, Wilson candidly voiced his reservations, stating, “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.”
The film, originally titled Nicole & OJ, has since undergone production with Boris Kodjoe portraying O.J. Simpson and Charlotte Kirk as Nicole Brown Simpson. Newton aims to complete the movie by October 3, coinciding with the 29th anniversary of Simpson’s not-guilty verdict.
Wilson’s decision has sparked discussions about ethical considerations in film roles and the complexities of depicting real-life events in cinema. Despite differing opinions on the project’s premise, Wilson’s principled stance has been recognized as a testament to his commitment to personal values and artistic integrity in Hollywood.
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