Fox Searchlight Pictures President of Production Claudia Lewis announced today that a new production has begun principal photography in Minnesota. Craig Johnson (The Skeleton Twins) directs Wilson, starring Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson (“True Detective,” The Hunger Games), Oscar Nominee Laura Dern (Wild, “Enlightened”), Judy Greer (The Descendants, Jurassic World), and Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Suburgatory”). The screenplay is by Oscar nominee Daniel Clowes (Ghost World) based on his graphic novel of the same name. Mary Jane Skalski and Jared Ian Goldman are producing. The film is shooting on location in the St. Paul area.
Harrelson stars as Wilson, a lonely, neurotic and hilariously honest middle-aged misanthrope who reunites with his estranged wife (Laura Dern) and gets a shot at happiness when he learns he has a teenage daughter (Isabella Amara) he has never met. In his uniquely outrageous and slightly twisted way, he sets out to connect with her.
“I’ve been a fan of Dan Clowes’ cartoons and writing for years,” says Johnson. “I own all of his comic books and graphic novels, including ‘Wilson,’ so when I got the script, I couldn’t quite believe it. It’s a privilege to be working on a project of this pedigree — a project written by Dan Clowes, starring Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern and brought to life by Fox Searchlight. I’m honored to be part of it.”
“Dan Clowes’ script embraces elements that are funny, touching, charming and sweet. This film has everything, including Craig who is one of the most precise and smart directors around. It will be a joy to bring Wilson to the big screen,” said producers Skalski and Goldman.
“Woody Harrelson as ‘Wilson’ is casting nirvana, and we are thrilled to be working again with Laura Dern, Judy Greer and Cheryl Hines. We’re especially excited about the pairing of Craig Johnson’s cinematic style with Dan Clowes’ sharp and distinctive voice,” said Lewis.
Fox Searchlight Pictures Senior Vice President of Production David Greenbaum and Director of Production Richard Gold are overseeing the project.
