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OJ Simpson went from celebrated athlete to felon, but even before he served time, he was tried for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Although the former NFL star was not found guilty in the 1995 trial, he was later convicted in civil court and ordered to pay compensation to the respective families. OJ Simpson’s innocence is a topic that has been hotly debated. And it seems Owen Wilson’s mind has been made up as he reportedly rejected an offer to appear in the film The Juice.
Why Did Owen Wilson Turn Down A Part In A Film Depecting OJ Simpson’s Innocence?
In a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, British filmmaker Joshua Newton discussed how he had contacted Owen Wilson about appearing in the film. The actor was considered for the role of attorney Douglas McCann. But he turned down a massive payday because the storyline allegedly conflicted with his beliefs.
“Owen Wilson was perfect for the role,” Newton claimed. “I actually had a meeting with him in Santa Monica. Everybody loved the script. His agent wanted him to do it. We offered him $12m. But 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 OJ didn’t do it, you’ve got to be kidding me.’” However, Newton told the publication that he has since found someone else to do the part.
The Film Is Controversial
The film is controversial and Wilson is not the only one who feels Simpson was guilty. Producer Stephen Small previously discussed this in an interview with People. “We’re telling the truth. It’s based on factual evidence: the real story from court documents, witness interviews, and trial testimony,” he said. “We felt there was an injustice. A lot of people forget that the man was acquitted.”
He continued, “He was found by 12 jurors that he did not commit the murders but if you talk to anyone, 10 out 10 people on the street are going to go, ‘He did it.’ We always thought something was off about it.”
Although Owen Wilson reportedly wanted no part in the movie because of the portrayal of OJ Simpson’s innocence, the film is progressing. Boris Kodjoe has been given the lead role, and Charlotte Kirk will play Nicole Brown Simpson.
