Sorry, Lightning McQueen — Owen Wilson says his kids prefer another character
Owen Wilson says his kids’ favourite character of his isn’t Lightning McQueen — and he’s revealed who wins their hearts in a chat with E! News.
Here’s one for you if you’ve ever wondered how actors’ own kids react to their onscreen personas: Owen Wilson has finally let slip which of his characters gets the most laughs around the family dinner table – and no, it’s not the talking race car you’re thinking of.
Speaking to E! News while promoting his next project ‘Runner’, Wilson said: "Night at the Museum. My kids kind of liked my little character Jedediah, and you know that stuff."
So there you have it. All those years voicing Lightning McQueen for Pixar barely made a dent in the family rankings; it’s actually his bite-sized cowboy from 2006’s Night at the Museum (yes, the one alongside Ben Stiller) who takes the top spot in his household. Apparently, his kids are big fans of miniature Owen running amok in the Natural History Museum.
The Wilson Crew
Wilson, now 57, has been somewhat reserved when it comes to chatting about his children, but over the years he’s shared the odd insight. If you’re curious, he’s got three: Ford (now 15), Finn (12), and Lyla (7). In interviews, he’s come out with a few gems about navigating parenthood – often with that classic bemused Wilson delivery.
- At a Los Angeles premiere last year, Wilson confessed he’s been trying to steer his kids towards golf. He admitted it’s a tough sell (let’s be honest, swinging clubs rarely competes with screens or a football), but he’s been sneaky about it. Topgolf has become his secret weapon, apparently – turns out the kids love it, which makes teaching them a sport stealthily less of a chore.
- Back in June 2025, sat on Jimmy Kimmel’s sofa, Wilson revealed that young Finn’s career ambitions have been especially eclectic. DJ was on the cards for a bit, until he pivoted to launching a prank shop. Name and all: Wilson’s Wizzbangs. He even wanted those classic hand-buzzers for the full effect. Not entirely off-brand for a child of Owen Wilson, frankly.
On the Radar
If you’re wondering why Wilson’s doing the interview rounds, it’s all leading up to the release of his latest flick, Runner – an action-thriller slated to hit cinemas on 11 September 2026. Yes, he’s still mixing it up, swapping tiny cowboy hats for a more kinetic, thriller approach.
Runner is due in cinemas 11 September 2026.