Inspired by the legendary attraction of the Disneyland parks, whose secrets we recently unlocked (in the style of the film Chasing tomorrow or feature film Jungle Cruise), The Haunted Mansion arrived on French screens on Wednesday July 26, 2023. Owen Wilson (comrade of Ben Stiller), one of the star actors of this feature film, spoke exclusively to Tele-Leisure.
Did you agree to film in The Haunted Mansion because you were a fan of this attraction?
Absolutely not! I’ve never even been on this ride. To accept a project, I realize that I don’t really have a particular process and that everything is based on feeling. I remember I was working on something else and I got a phone call from Justin. (Justin Simien, the director, editor’s note.). I actually wasn’t necessarily planning on being in this feature film, but I just liked him while talking to him on the phone and something told me I had to be in this film. After touring with him, I don’t regret this choice! This would be a good person if you have to end up with someone in a haunted mansion.
Tell us about your role?
I play the role of a somewhat unusual priest. He is called to act as quickly as possible to deal with this haunted house, but we realize that he is above all a kind of salesman and a good commercial agent. He doesn’t mind making a little money and he doesn’t waste time on moral principles. I don’t know if in life I could have been a good priest… unless it was like my character in this film! (He smiles)
Do you believe in ghosts or anything paranormal?
I don’t really know, but I can tell you that I want to believe in the existence of paranormal things. I would love to own a haunted house! The idea of the existence of something in the afterlife or some sort of ghosts really appeals to me.
Do you remember a particular horror movie that scared you?
I remember being very frightened as a child by a vampire movie that I forget the name of. The last time I really liked this type of feature film was a Swedish film called Let the Right One In and of course The Shining, which is very scary.
What scares you in life?
I don’t like rats! I was reading in the magazine The New Yorker the existence of different types of rats in New York and they are just horrible. I think our human brain is not wired to get along with rats, unlike, say, dogs, who are sort of our best friends. I’m not that bothered by snakes or even sharks…but I really don’t like rats.
Looking back, how do you analyze your success and your career today?
I now feel much more comfortable and at peace with myself, as I remember starting out being extremely anxious about not being able to have a career. Today I just want to have a good experience and have a good time on the set of a film.
From our correspondent in Hollywood: Hervé Tropéa
