Owen Wilson is having a weird, brilliant year. You probably know him as the guy who says "wow" or the lovable blonde dude from those 2000s comedies, but 2026 is looking like a total pivot. Honestly, if you haven’t been keeping up, you’ve missed a lot. He’s moving from the Marvel multiverse back to the big screen, and even into the world of professional golf. It’s a lot to track.
Most people assume he’s just doing the same old thing. They're wrong. He's actually taking some of the biggest risks of his career right now.
The Animated Return: Charlie the Wonderdog
The big news right now is Charlie the Wonderdog. It just hit theaters on January 16, 2026. This isn't just another voice-acting gig for a paycheck. Owen plays Charlie, a family dog who starts getting old, which is basically every pet owner's worst nightmare. Then, things get bizarre. Charlie gets abducted by aliens—yes, really—and comes back with actual superpowers.
Director Shea Wageman mentioned recently that they needed someone who could sound both "serious and fun." That’s Owen in a nutshell. The movie is getting a lot of buzz for being a "Marley & Me" style tear-jerker but with a sci-fi twist. If you have kids, or if you just really like dogs, this is the one everyone is talking about in the group chats right now.
The plot follows Charlie and his owner, Danny. After the alien encounter, Charlie can talk and fly. It’s been described as a love letter to childhood pets, but with a 2026 budget. You’ve probably seen the trailers where he’s arguing with the neighbor’s cat, Puddy. It’s goofy, but the reviews say it actually has a lot of heart.
Focker In-Law: The Reunion Nobody Expected
This is the one that actually shocked me. After years of rumors, we are finally getting a fourth film in the Meet the Parents franchise. It’s titled Focker In-Law, and it’s set for a November 25, 2026 release.
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Owen Wilson is officially back as Kevin Rawley. You remember Kevin—the over-achieving, spiritual, incredibly wealthy ex-boyfriend who always made Ben Stiller’s character look like a disaster? Yeah, he’s back to haunt Greg Focker one more time.
- The Cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, and Blythe Danner are all returning.
- The Newcomers: Ariana Grande and Beanie Feldstein have joined the cast.
- The Director: John Hamburg, who wrote the previous films, is taking the helm for this one.
Why now? Basically, Universal and Paramount decided the world needed another cringe-comedy family reunion. Kevin Rawley’s character was always a highlight because of how effortlessly annoying he was. Seeing Owen Wilson play off a 2026 version of Ben Stiller is going to be nostalgic at the very least.
The Hip-Hop Comedy: Rolling Loud
If you told me two years ago that Owen Wilson would be starring in a movie about the Rolling Loud music festival alongside Sexyy Red and Matt Rife, I would have told you to go lie down. But it’s real.
The film, simply titled Rolling Loud, is scheduled for a 2026 release. They actually filmed scenes during the real festival in Miami. Travis Scott and Dominic Fike are reportedly in it too. Owen’s character is reportedly a fish-out-of-water type—which is his specialty—navigating the absolute chaos of a modern rap festival.
Henry Winkler is also in the cast. Just imagine the Fonz and Owen Wilson hanging out backstage at a Travis Scott set. That’s the kind of energy we’re getting in 2026.
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Owen Wilson Takes on the Green in "Stick"
While we’re talking about new movies with owen wilson, we have to mention his move into prestige TV, because the lines are so blurred now anyway.
On June 4, 2025, he premiered a series on Apple TV+ called Stick. He plays Pryce Cahill, an "over-the-hill" former pro golfer. His career blew up 20 years ago, and now he’s trying to find his way back.
It’s a 10-episode comedy-drama. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s basically Owen leaning into that "mellow but slightly broken" vibe he does so well. It’s got Marc Maron and Judy Greer, so the dry humor is off the charts. It’s a "found family" story, which is a bit of a cliché, but Owen makes it work.
What about the MCU and Loki?
This is the question that won't go away. Is Mobius coming back?
As of early 2026, Marvel is being characteristically quiet. There’s no official Loki Season 3 announcement, but the industry rumor mill is obsessed with the idea that Mobius (Owen’s character) will show up in the next big Avengers movies.
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After the way Season 2 ended, his character is in a weird spot. He’s finally "on the timeline," just watching life go by. It was a beautiful ending, but Hollywood rarely lets a popular character stay retired. Expect some sort of cameo or multiversal appearance by the end of the year.
Why Owen Wilson Still Matters
It’s easy to dismiss him as a "vibe" actor. But if you look at his choices recently—from a Bob Ross-inspired painter in Paint (2023) to a superhero dog in 2026—he’s clearly bored with playing it safe.
He’s one of the few actors who can jump from a raunchy Matt Rife comedy to a heartfelt Disney-style animated movie without losing his "cool." He’s become the ultimate comfort-food actor, but with a weird, indie edge that keeps him relevant.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check Local Listings: Charlie the Wonderdog is currently in theaters. If you want the classic "Owen Wilson voice" experience, this is the most immediate way to get it.
- Binge "Stick": If you have Apple TV+, the first season is fully available. It's a great weekend watch if you like sports comedies that aren't actually about the sports.
- Mark the Calendar: Keep November 25 open for Focker In-Law. It’s being positioned as the big Thanksgiving family movie for the year.
- Watch for Festivals: Keep an eye on the trailer drops for Rolling Loud. It’s expected to have a massive soundtrack and will likely be a major summer or fall release.
The "Wilson-aissance" is in full swing. Whether he's a talking dog, a failed golfer, or a wealthy ex-boyfriend, the 2026 slate proves he’s not going anywhere.