Owen Wilson, the beloved actor known for his laid-back charm and that iconic “wow” catchphrase, has finally let fans in on the secret behind his frequent utterances of the word. For years, fans have pondered why Wilson consistently peppers his dialogue with “wow,” and now, at the age of 54, he’s revealed that it’s all about his “committed” fanbase.
In a candid video posted by his YouTube fan channel, Owenergy, Wilson responded to a question about whether there are specific sayings he tries to incorporate into his movies. With a playful grin, he confessed, “Well, yes, but they’re for my really committed fans. I throw out a little word, just sort of like a little wink and a nod to them. It’s like those New Yorker [magazine] covers, where the guy would write his wife’s name into the illustration. If you’re lucky enough to be one of those really committed fans, then I give you these little clues that are out there.”
Fans of Owen Wilson will know that his iconic “wow” has become synonymous with his on-screen presence. According to Screenrant, the star has used the word “wow” in a whopping 27 different films, making it a signature part of his acting repertoire. This word has appeared in 51.9 percent of all his films, and it had its most significant moment in the spotlight in the 2011 film “Midnight in Paris,” where it was uttered a remarkable seven times.
Screenrant writer Cooper Hood commented on this unique aspect of Wilson’s career, saying, “Ever since Wilson said ‘wow’ in his feature film debut in 1996’s ‘Bottle Rocket,’ he has gone on to say the word in 27 different movies. This frequency highlights why Wilson is so closely associated with the word, but it becomes even more obvious when the astonishing amount of times he’s said ‘wow’ is factored in. In these 27 movies, Wilson says ‘wow’ a total of 81 times. 2011’s ‘Midnight in Paris’ holds the record for the highest number of ‘wow’s in a single Wilson movie, as he utters it seven times.”
The “wow” phenomenon has grown to such proportions that fans once organized an event where a large group gathered to say “wow” in unison, highlighting the actor’s unique connection with this simple but memorable word.
So, while Owen Wilson may be known for his charming roles and comedic talents, his endearing connection with “wow” has become a delightful nod to his dedicated fanbase, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the next time he’ll deliver that iconic line.