On December 19, 2014 the third installment of the Night at the Museum film franchise hits theaters, and I had the opportunity last week to speak with cast members Rebel Wilson, Dan Stevens, Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson. Director Shawn Levy was also on hand with his cast in New York to promote his film. That morning I had the pleasure of viewing their new film, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. Not only does my family enjoy movies, but we love museums as well. My boy’s can’t wait to see this latest installment. As Robin Williams last film, it is truly a beautiful tribute to his legacy.
When the cast arrived for the roundtable interview they seemed full of excitement. Of course, making another movie at the museum can be risky. Here is what the cast had to say about that.
Blogger: Making the third movie in a franchise is always a tricky thing. What made you guys decide to come on board?
Mr. Ben Stiller: Owen, you want to take that?
Mr. Owen Wilson: Well, we had a story that I think also you know when we made the first one I don’t think any of us expected it to get the reception that it did and for people to enjoy it as much as they did.
And so, then that obviously leads to, well, you know, make another one. And we did. And I think we all enjoyed making both of them.
But I think it was important with this one, the third one, to kind of try to figure out a way to tell it in an interesting way that wouldn’t just be, okay, now we’re going to a new museum that’s dealing with kind of letting go and some of the more poignant themes that are in the movie, but also hopefully still entertaining people and people having a good time.
And, yes, I think we did it.
I wanted to know more about what attracted these actors to their characters.
Milena Barrett:Be Your Best Mom.com: This question’s for each of you. What is your favorite part of your character? Like, what characteristic of your character do you like the best? And Shawn, for you, who is your favorite character?
Mr. Shawn Levy: That’s a tough one with so many of them sitting next to me.
Mr. Owen Wilson: Jedediah.
Mr. Shawn Levy: Would I ask you which one of your children do you love most? All right. I’m going to think about it while the actors answer.
Mr. Owen Wilson: Well, with my character Jedediah, what would you say, Shawn? Like, there’s a doggedness, like kind of a–.
Mr. Shawn Levy: –I do have a soft spot for Jed. I love that he is so fiercely unaware of his small scale.
Mr. Owen Wilson: Right.
Mr. Shawn Levy: Everything he says is passionate and–.
Mr. Owen Wilson: –-That’s right. [Unintelligible]–.
Mr. Shawn Levy: –Intense and powerful.
Somehow my question took a turn and the actors began answering in an unexpected way about their characters:
Ms. Rebel Wilson: I was going to say the hat that I got to wear. It’s like really cool. And I really loved it so much that I asked if I could buy it from the movie. And they only charged me $650 for that hat, which, true story–.
Mr. Owen Wilson: –[Unintelligible] twice the price–.
Ms. Rebel Wilson: –And I bought it because I loved it so much. It just really made the character I think, that particular style of British hat.
Mr. Ben Stiller: I think it’s my flashlight. I like my flashlight. It’s the closest I’ll really come to having a gun in a movie I think. So, it’s been fun to learn how to flip it.
The late great Robin Williams laid heavy on our minds. You could see that the cast had strong feelings towards their fellow cast mate. A couple of question were brought to the table, but this one touched me.
Blogger: Hi, guys. Was very emotional for you guys to shoot this part of the film?
Mr. Shawn Levy: Well, certainly, the scene in particular where Ben says goodbye to Robin [Williams] for the last time, that was an emotional day on set. Obviously, that scene is even more emotional now.
But even when we were shooting it, I think Ben and Robin and I just felt there was just–it was just an emotional day. And it was a beautifully written scene. And the characters are saying goodbye.
But also it was the three of us kind of being grateful for this franchise that brought us together and saying goodbye to that possible. So, yes, that day definitely had a lot of feeling on set.
Take a peek:
About the film:
Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled Night At the Museum ever as Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.
Starring Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke, Dan Stevens, Ricky Gervais, Ben Kingsley, Rebel Wilson, Mickey Rooney, and Rami Malek
Disclosure: I was invited to this interview courtesy of 20th Century Fox. I was not compensated for my participation. All thoughts belong to me.
Uncle Wally says
That trailer was great!
Debbie Denny says
This is spectacular. I love the movies.
becca says
i am hoping to get to see this movie sometime this week. We love the first 2 and can’t wait to see this one.
Joanne says
This movie looks hilarious! I didn’t know Robin Williams was in it. Great interview!!
Debbie L says
I want to see this movie. The first two were so funny – great family night movie!
Regina says
This movie is on our must see list while the kids are out of school. We have loved the others, can’t wait to see this one too!
Diane @ Philzendia says
What a great experience. My son is dying to see this movie.
Giveaways 4 Mom says
I cannot believe you were able to do an interview. I bet this was an amazing experience.
Christy H says
We are going on Christmas vacation and I can’t wait til we go and see this!
Anne says
This looks like such a fun movie! We loved the first two, so we have to see this one soon.
Michelle says
I really enjoyed the first two, so I’m definitely going to see this one. Nice interview.
Amethyst Moon says
This movie looks so good! It is definitely on my list to see!
Taralyn says
Just saw this last week! Absolutely loved it. Not often you can say that about a third movie in a series!
June S. says
(Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: My Cast Interview #NightAtTheMuseum) I cannot wait to go and see this movie. I am a huge fan and really liked the first two-
maria @closetohome says
My kids loved the first two movies. It will be sad to see Robin Williams