Owen Wilson sits out interviews with the media

According to the Los Angeles Times, Paramount Pictures decided to take Owen Wilson out of interviews with the media during the release of his film “Drillbit Taylor.” The movie, which is about three high school freshmen who hire their own personal bodyguard, premiered last Friday.

Paramount’s decision was influenced by Wilson’s suicide attempt last summer. The studio was worried that interviewers might steer conversation with Wilson away from the movie and ask about his suicide attempt. It is likely that promotional interviews would steer in that direction, since Wilson has not yet talked to the media about his suicide attempt. The only information that Wilson gave when the incident happened was a statement his publicist made on his behalf, “I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time.”

Paramount did ask Wilson to record “Drillbit” themed introductions to Fox‘s Sunday night prime-time lineup, which includes the shows “The Simpsons,” “King of the Hill,” “Family Guy” and “Unhitched.” Wilson also appeared on Comedy Central with costar Danny McBride in a series of 30-second television spots called, “30 Seconds on Bullies.” In the spots, Wilson relates scenes in the film to his own adolescence. According to the Los Angeles Times, Paramount said that Wilson has done all that the studio asked of him.

It was wise for Paramount to ask Wilson to sit out of interviews with the media, and instead participate in pre-recorded promotional videos for the movie. In these videos the movie promoters have control over what is said. In live interviews there’s less control, and unless Wilson has extensive media training there is a chance that reporters will steer him away from his message.