Owen Wilson is best known for his hilarious performances in comedies such as Wedding Crashers, Zoolander and Meet the Parents but he’s now impressing critics in a more serious role in the action-packed new thriller No Escape.
The movie, which is released in Ireland on September 4, sees Wilson star alongside Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell as a man who is protecting his family from attack when a coup breaks out in the foreign country they’ve just moved to.
This one is going to have you on the edge of your seat throughout. It looks like a proper nail-biter and we can’t wait to go see it.
Check out the trailer, it looks excellent.
This got us thinking ‘what other comedic actors have tried their hand at the more serious roles?’
Here are 7 of our other favourites.
Steve Carell
Comedy pedigree: 40 year-old virgin, The Office, Anchorman
We’re not sure how we’ll ever laugh at Carell again after seeing him play troubled millionaire in the brilliant Foxcatcher.
Bill Murray
Comedy pedigree: Ghostbusters, Caddy Shack, Saturday Night Live
Murray was a comedy heavyweight before he showed everyone he’s equally capable of turning his hand to comedy. His understated performance in Lost in Translation is a particular highlight.
Jim Carey
Comedy pedigree: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Dumb & Dumber, Liar Liar
Carey blew everyone’s mind when he took on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It’s an absolute travesty that he wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for that performance.
Adam Sandler
Comedy pedigree: Waterboy, Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy
Sandler probably seems like the least likely person to get on this list, but he was just perfect in the under-appreciated Punch Drunk Love.
Will Ferrell
Comedy Pedigree: Anchorman, Saturday Night Live, Step Brothers
Ferrell tried his hand at a more serious role in Stranger than Fiction and although the movie wasn’t everything that it should be, Ferrell’s own performance was excellent.
Steve Coogan
Comedy pedigree: Alan Partridge, The Day Today, Tropic Thunder, Spitting Image
He’s far more than just Partridge you know. Coogan was brilliant in the heartfelt Philomena.
So there you have it, 7 movie maestros who aren’t going to be typecast as just comedy actors.
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