From comedy to action

MANILA, Philippines - In No Escape, Owen Wilson (photo) plays Jack Dwyer, an American who relocates his wife (Lake Bell) and two daughters to Southeast Asia for a new job. It looks like a promising new life reboot for them, but everything is turned upside down when they find themselves in the midst of a violent civil war, with one side targeting Westerners.

The easy-going 46-year-old star is best known for his comedies.

Told that the trailer looks like an action movie, Wilson said, “It’s more of what you get offered. It wasn’t like I turned down a lot of action things. I do know that back when I used to go to the video store (as a kid), I didn’t usually rent comedies. I tended to see more dramas and things. So it’s kind of interesting that I’ve ended up doing so many comedies, because I didn’t have a stand-up comedian background. It just sort of happened.

“And with this script, like, from the first 20 pages, I just kind of liked the set-up and could see myself in the situation. It’s not so much that I’m an action hero at all; it’s more just a father who’s just learning to survive with his family. So it felt more realistic. That’s it — if I can imagine myself in the role. And I can’t really imagine myself as a Schwarzenegger.

“I think you have to have something in you to play a character and I don’t see myself as an action hero. But I could see myself doing the things that this character has to do. Same with Behind Enemy Lines. When I originally signed on, (the role) was more of a fighter pilot. We changed it to make him the backseat navigator. I guess I don’t see myself as a hotshot.”

 No Escape, released and distributed by Captive Cinema, is showing nationwide.