Patrick Wilson on ‘Millers in Marriage’ and Why Two ‘Aquaman’ Movies Were Enough: ‘I Don’t Know Where the Story Would Go’

Patrick Wilson is gearing up for his comeback in the world of musical theater. Apart from producing the upcoming “Lost Boys,” he’s also aggressively seeking an leading role on the stage.

On the most recent installment of “Just for EbMaster” podcast, Wilson expresses his strong intention to uncover the mystery within the subsequent two years.

Prior to becoming a well-known actor in movies and TV, Wilson had two nominations for Tonys due to his performances in “The Full Monty” and “Oklahoma!” during the early 2000s. He also played a role in Joel Schumacher’s film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” appearing alongside Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler, back in 2004.

Over the subsequent twenty years, he appeared in numerous films outside of musical genres, such as the “Insidious” and “Conjuring” series of horror movies, and portrayed Orm in the “Aquaman” film adaptations.

The most recent movie is titled “Millers in Marriage,” a drama by Edwards Burns who also directed it. This independent film revolves around three siblings – Burns himself, Julianna Margulies, and Gretchen Mol – dealing with crumbling marriages and fresh romantic entanglements. In this story, Wilson portrays Scott, who is Eve’s (Mol) husband, struggling with alcoholism and evidently emotionally abusive as a music manager.

On the latest episode of ‘Just for EbMaster’, Wilson discusses how individuals around the age of 50, who are facing an empty nest without children, grapple with self-discovery. This phase can either strengthen or strain marriages, as everyone is aware. The podcast explores various people at different stages of life, delving into feelings of envy, mistakes, bitterness, happiness, affection, grief, and loss, and how they all intertwine.

The upcoming film signifies a reunion for Wilson and Burns, who last collaborated when their kids were mere tots. As Wilson recounted, “I believe our kids were just starting school when we made that movie. Now they’re off at college.” Wilson, having been married for 20 years, shares two children with his wife. Notably, ‘Purple Violets,’ their first joint project, was the very first film to be sold on iTunes.

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The discussion has been condensed and made clearer. You can hear the entire conversation by listening to “Just for EbMaster with Marc Malkin” or any other platform where you usually listen to your favorite podcasts.

Let’s talk about you at 50. What were you thinking when you hit 50? It wasn’t too long ago.

Previously, my spouse organized an exceptional party in my honor. These days, I hit the gym nearly five times a week. During my workout, I often feel like I’m in my twenties or thirties, only to transition into feeling quite old, around 70, at its conclusion. Post-workout, I usually express, “Wow, I am really run down.” However, while I’m engaged in the activity, I still have that childlike energy. This same enthusiasm carries over to my work. I throw myself wholeheartedly into everything, even attempting every daring move and task. I might pay for it more the next day than someone who is 30. My ambition is always to venture into new realms, whether it’s directing a few years ago or focusing more on producing now as well. The passion for acting remains strong within me, but I keep pushing forward. Perhaps at 60, I’ll slow down a bit, but that’s not where I’m at right now.

There are just moments I’m just sitting on the couch and all of a sudden, I’m like, “I’m in my 50s? What?”

It seems as though our generation is shaping what it means to be in our 50s nowadays. I recall being 40 and hearing someone remark, “You look really good for your age.” The response was usually something like, “What am I supposed to look like?” Nowadays, such comments are rare. But here you are, turning 50. Quite remarkable! What does one do at this stage of life? Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s strange because when I think back to when my parents were your age…

Our generation is redefining the concept of being in our 50s these days. When I was 40, people would often comment, “You look really good for your age.” It always left me wondering what I should look like. These days, such comments are less common. But here you are, turning 50. That’s quite an achievement! What does one do at this stage of life? To be honest, I’m unsure. It feels strange to reflect on when my parents were your age…

I have to talk to you about musical theater. When are you going back, Patrick?

I’ve come close to this point after about 20 years. Currently, I’m working on “The Lost Boys,” but I won’t be part of the cast. The challenge is finding the time and fitting it all in. It’s amusing since we recently discussed the roles 50-year-old actors might seek. In my case, I’ve had a heart-to-heart with my representatives about my love for singing. As a singer, I believe my prime years are limited to another 10 to 15 years. So, I want to make the most of this opportunity. It’s not a necessity, but it’s something I deeply enjoy. However, it’s merely a matter of biology. I don’t wish to reach a stage where I’m just the father in a musical, only performing one song. That idea holds no appeal for me whatsoever. Therefore, I’m searching for a suitable role. Last week, I participated in a workshop for “Big Fish,” and I’m considering whether there’s a way to be part of that production. There’s another show I’ve been working on for several years, so I’m exploring possibilities there as well.

Was there a role in musical theater you always wanted to do that you never got the chance?

I deeply wished I could have played Valjean from “Les Misérables”. Perhaps there’s still a chance, but I’m unsure of where or how. The movie is fantastic. Fifteen years ago, I came very close to landing the role in a revival of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in London, but I messed up the audition and couldn’t perform it at the time. Sadly, Jesus died at 33, so that opportunity has passed.

What do you remember most about filming “Phantom of the Opera?”

I thoroughly enjoyed making that film. It’s fascinating to encounter women in their mid-30s or older who say, “I watched that when I was a child.” You feel, “Wow, has it been that long?” It’s a reminder of aging, but you think, “Yes, over 20 years ago. Can that be true?” I shared this with James Wan, and I even thought there had been numerous adaptations of the film, but if we consider it as an intellectual property (IP), let’s take a moment to consider that idea.

Go ahead.

There’s no compulsion to remake films just for the sake of remaking them. Here’s an idea: Could we create a terrifying horror movie adaptation of a musical, in the style of Lon Chaney? It might not align with our usual style, but it could work. However, I’m not certain if this is feasible or suitable for us.

Other end of the spectrum: “Aquaman.” Were you hoping it would be than two movies?

As someone who’s worked on multiple “Insidious” films, several “Conjurings,” and a couple of “Aquaman,” I don’t believe there was more expected from the sequel. After all, I’m not biased against sequels. However, when it comes to Orm’s character, who transitioned from villain to almost hero in the first film, I wasn’t signed on for a third installment. There was no disappointment, just a lack of clarity about where the story could go next. I wouldn’t object to revisiting the character, as we had a fantastic time making the second movie. Frankly, having played Night Owl Two in “Watchmen” and Ocean Master in “Aquaman,” two very peculiar characters, I’m content with my superhero experiences being unique and unconventional. So, I’m satisfied with this chapter closing.

Let’s say Superman comes along, a Batman comes along. They’re like, “We want the Aquaman world in there.” Would you want to go back to the DC world?

Would I revisit it? Well, if it’s good quality, that matters. Who is in charge? What’s the plot? He’s quite an unusual character. I’m unsure where he fits in. It feels peculiar to me. Moreover, they’ve significantly altered the DC Universe. We had a successful run. Everything’s fine. There’s not even a hint of, “Is there more?” I would gladly participate again if it’s worthwhile, but I’m uncertain about the circumstances.

2025-02-26 23:19