5 of Owen Wilson’s most memorable roles, from ‘Loki’ to ‘Zoolander’

The ‘Midnight in Paris’ actor has been in the industry for almost three decades—we look back at some of his best on-screen characters

Owen Wilson knows exactly how to say witty one liners with maximum effect, but as an actor he is so much more than that. The American actor has been making movies since 1994—his breakout role was in Bottle Rocket, which he co-wrote with Wes Anderson—and while he had a brief period where he was typecast for his Texan-cool laidback drawl in comedic roles, he’s been able to break the mould. From playing an introspective traveller in Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited to a timeline-hopping clerk in Marvel Studio’s series Loki, Wilson has proven his versatility as an actor time and again.

To celebrate his birthday on November 18, we revisit five of his standout roles.

1. Mobius M. Mobius in ‘Loki’ (2022)

Above Owen Wilson as Mobius in the second season of “Loki” (Photo: YouTube)

Wilson’s most recent role as Mobius M. Mobius in Disney’s Loki (2022) has become a fan favourite. He portrays the loveable, pencil-pushing, key lime pie-loving Mobius who befriends the chaotic Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) during the two seasons of the show, taking him on board the Time Variance Authority where they work on missions to restore order in the “sacred timeline”. Wilson’s humorous, kind and matter-of-fact depiction of the character that is easy to root for.

2. Francis Whitman in ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ (2007)

Above Owen Wilson as Francis Whitman (left) in “The Darjeeling Limited” (Photo: YouTube)

The Darjeeling Limited was the fourth film by Wes Anderson that Wilson starred in. He played the role of Francis Whitman, the eldest of three who attempts to bring his brothers together on a trip through India following their father’s death. Unbeknownst to his siblings, his itinerary is designed so that they may find their estranged mother, and that intention to connect his family is also linked to his recent injuries that is visually present in the film with his memorable bandages. One of his more introspective roles, Wilson communicates the challenges and responsibilities tied to being a big brother effectively.

3. John Grogan in ‘Marley & Me’ (2008)

Above Owen Wilson as John Grogan in “Marley & Me” (Photo: YouTube)

Dog owners simultaneously love and hate Marley & Me (2008) for its accurate portrayal of the experience of owning a furry friend and the impact they have on our lives. Wilson plays John Grogan, who—with his wife Julia (played by Jennifer Aniston)—brings home a Labrador retriever puppy Marley, and the gloriously messy yet joyful journey they have together. Wilson’s honest depiction of a man going through life’s inevitable changes makes the film eminently relatable.

4. Gil Pender in ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)

Above Owen Wilson in a still from “Midnight in Paris” (Photo: YouTube)

Every Francophile can relate to the joy and wonder that Gil Pender, Wilson’s character in Woody Allen’s 2011 fantasy film Midnight in Paris, experiences. When he goes to the French capital in 2010 with his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams) along with her parents, he is struck by the city’s rich history, but she doesn’t share his enthusiasm, so he ends up wandering the streets alone. In a remarkable twist of fate, he finds himself in the 1920s among the greatest writers and artists of the period, and his overall befuddlement yet acceptance of the bizarre turn of events makes for a delightful watch.

5. Hansel in ‘Zoolander’ (2001)

Above Owen Wilson in a still from “Zoolander” (2001) (Photo: YouTube)

One of Wilson’s most iconic roles is as rising model Hansel in the 2001 comedy Zoolander, whose good looks, charm and new approach to the runway threaten Derek Zoolander’s (Ben Stiller) spot at the top. However, with a more ridiculous ploy to destroy the future of fashion, the two overcome their differences and find common ground. With memorable one liners and Y2K outfits galore, this was one of the early roles that cemented Wilson’s place as a comedic actor in Hollywood.

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Topics

Owen Wilson Loki Wes Anderson The Darjeeling Limited Zoolander