Olivia Wilde lived out multiple dreams of hers while working on The Incredible Burt Wonderstone. She was thrilled to become part of the cast as Steve Carell’s magician’s assistant.
“I read the script a while ago and really loved it. I did go after it—I was really interested,” she said in an interview with Collider.com. “Not only because of the cast, which is obviously extraordinary, and contains many of my idols, and not only because Don Scardino [the director] was involved—I’m a huge 30 Rock fan. I just think he’s a master of tone. I thought it was a really great role for me. It was something I hadn’t done before. There was a certain challenge to it for me as well.
“I went after it, I auditioned, I was up against some real heavy hitters and I was totally shocked when I got the role, because it’s a comedic role and I was going up against some real comedians. I sort of thought I didn’t have a chance in hell, but it was so fun to just audition for it; I just thought I’d go for it and take a chance. Then to get to read with Steve Carrell was really amazing. One of the best auditioning experiences I’ve ever had.”
In addition to Carrell, Wilde (who’s also appeared on FOX’s late drama House and in TRON) also loved working with Jim Carrey, who plays Carrell’s rival magician. “To be with him and witness the process is such an extraordinary thing,” she admitted. “I mean, he is a perfectionist. He is so incredibly physical, and in control of his physical comedy. It’s like watching a dancer. It’s amazing. He’s always at 100%. He has incredibly high standards for himself and it’s wonderful to watch him reach them.”
Wilde does consider herself somewhat of a Carrey superfan.
“I think I’ve seen Dumb and Dumber 47 times at least,” she confessed. “Now to be able to watch what it takes to reach those heights with all these people…Comedy is fun to make, but it’s taken as seriously as drama. Of course, you know all this, talking to people much more experienced than I am. I’m learning that in a really wonderful way and I’m hoping that this isn’t the last time that I get to do that.”
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone opens in theaters March 15.
