LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Owen Wilson, the actor currently involved in the filming of 'Haunted Mansion,' faced a distressing event at his home while he was away. A homeless man unlawfully entered his Santa Monica home, went through his personal belongings, and even wore a set of Wilson's pajamas on Tuesday, May 16.
The intrusion was discovered by Owen's assistant, who encountered the suspect, leading to the subsequent booking of the individual on felony burglary charges, TMZ reports. In the midst of this unsettling event, Wilson has been actively engaged in a different venture. He recently participated in a public service announcement (PSA) alongside fellow actors Dennis Quaid, Glen Powell, Woody Harrelson, and Matthew McConaughey.
READ MORE
Rumor has it: 'Loki' star Owen Wilson set to return as Agent Mobius in Marvel's 'Deadpool 3'
Why did Owen Wilson try to kill himself? Brother Andrew helped star heal after suicide attempt
Actors promote film industry and tax incentives in Texas
The PSA aims to promote more film projects in their native state of Texas by advocating for state tax incentives. The commercial showcases the actors passionately discussing their love for Texas and the importance of the film industry in the state's economy. "Hey there, I'm Dennis Quaid from Houston, Texas," the actor said leading the commercial. A quick cut shows Owen wearing a brown leather jacket, a navy blue T-shirt with a navy blue and white bandana around his neck, and a baseball cap saying, "I'm proud to be from Texas."
Billy Bob Thornton, 67, who appears to be sitting calmly in a chair, wearing a black jacket of a blue plaid shirt and a black hat over a bandana, explained, "I'm not from Texas, but I played Davey Crockett." The scene cuts to Matthew, 53, wearing a light blue linen shirt, with his hand on his hip telling fans, "We love our home state of Texas." Glen, 34, donning a brown jacket and burnt orange button-down shirt, comes on camera saying, "What we really love, is making movies here." The rest of the spot is interspersed with the actors claiming, "With its various and iconic landscapes and incredible talent, Texas looks good up on the big screen."
New bipartisan film legislation is up for votes
"Texas used to have a great incentive program that brought hundreds of great movies and shows, thousands of jobs for hardworking folks, and hundreds of millions of dollars to the Lone Star state. Unfortunately, over the years, the funding became less and less, because some people were led to believe that money was only going into the pockets of big wig California movie producers and high-priced Hollywood actors..." Matthew then comes on camera, raises his hand, and says "Like me," after which Owen, Dennis, Billy Bob, Woody, and Glen join in each saying "and me."
"But that wasn't true. Now the films and shows, all those jobs, all that positive economic growth for the economy of Texas, it's migrating to states like New Mexico, Louisiana, Georgia and..." Billy Bob comes back on camera and says with a hesitant stutter, "don't make me say it... oak... Oklahoma," referring to the state's biggest rival. Woody and Owen echo with their own "Oklahoma?" Dennis adds, "In fact, shows that are supposed to be set right here in Texas are finding it hard to get the resources they need to begin filming. "
"So," adds Matthew, "these folks, they film elsewhere, and to be honest, that doesn't really sit right with me. "The rest of the group follows with their own "Or me." Matthew continues, "But thankfully, the Texas legislature has brought new bipartisan film legislation up for votes later this month." Glenn returns explaining, "So that this time, we Texans can take back what we used to have and bring movies and jobs back to Texas." Woody maintains, "This is not a Hollywood welfare program to pay for private jets and privileged lifestyles back in California."
'Future of Texas film industry at stake'
Matthew joined in claiming, "No, this legislation is about Texas jobs." Dennis finishes the sentence, "And showcasing our great state on the big screen." The round robin continues with the message, "Filming in Texas is good for local economies and creates real Texas jobs. Not just for actors, directors, and screenwriters, [but] Texas-based electricians, drivers, carpenters, makeup artists, hair stylists, hotel staff, folks in the restaurant and hospitality industry, parking valets, contract workers, they all benefit from this incentive program. Not just for the big cities, but for little towns, like Stephenville, here."
The actors emphasize the importance of new bipartisan film legislation that is set to be voted on by the Texas legislature. "Every dollar spent in incentives puts five dollars back into the Texas economy." the cast claims. "So do us all a favor, will you, and call or e-mail your state representative or state senator and tell them to support funding for Texas film. We're not trying to be controversial or throw anyone under the bus, except maybe Oklahoma, we just want the chance to film great things here in Texas. It's good for Texas." Lawmakers in Texas have a critical decision to make regarding the future of the film industry in the state with 19 bills on the topic currently under consideration.
There seems to be bipartisan support for the legislation, including indications of support from Governor Greg Abbott, who released a statement saying, "The Governor looks forward to working with the Legislature this session to keep Texas’ film industry among the most competitive in the world." However, opposition from some Republican lawmakers reflects a divide on how tax dollars should be allocated, given concerns about the film industry's alignment with certain political values.
One Republican lawmaker who voted against the legislation tweeted he would, "never understand how Republicans think this stuff is an appropriate use of tax dollars, particularly since the film industry hates our values and everything we stand for. Let them pay for their own left-wing propaganda." As the legislative session comes to a close on May 29, the fate of the film industry in Texas hangs in the balance. The outcome of these bills will determine whether Texas remains a competitive hub for filmmakers and sustains its significant impact on the economy.
