Poor fans who flocked to Brisbane for the NRL Magic Round had Hollywood and unexpected brushes on Saturday morning as actor Owen Wilson was spotted walking down the iconic Caxton Street.
Poor fans enjoying their early morning drinks were uneasy when they saw the wedding crusher star casually walking in beige suits and white shoes.
“Owen, Owen is coming for the beer,” the excited fan cried, capturing the moment on camera.
Wilson, apparently energetic, approved of his fist and pumped it, but continued to move down the street.
“Yes!” cheers then echoed “Amazing” from the crowds at nearby pubs as the actor disappeared in the street.
“That’s surreal,” one fan said. “You come to the poor guy and find Owen Wilson.”
Owen Wilson walks down Brisbane’s iconic Caxton Street to pay homage to fans for an early start in the magical round
Poor fans around Australia have come down to Brisbane for a magic round featuring all matches in the round at one venue
The sightings show Wilson’s latest release in Brisbane while filming his upcoming action thriller runner.
Earlier this week he was seen at New Farm Park. There, scenes from the film were being filmed near the edge of Hopeton.
Locals observed cameras, production equipment and crew of the film as Wilson relaxed on a park bench dressed in pink button-up shirts.
Rumors initially swirled online asking if the stars actually arrived. Some users have speculated that it was a clever fake.
However, these questions were placed to rest after multiple public sightings and social media footage confirmed his presence in Queensland.
Directed by Expendables 4 filmmaker Scott Waugh, Runner’s production began on March 31st in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Wilson will star in a major budget action film along with Reacher actor Alan Richson.
The story follows Hank Malone, a courier [Ritchson]a severely ill 7-year-old girl must deliver life-saving organs.
Owen Wilson arrives in Australia to film his new film runner in true Owen Wilson style
Reacher actor Alan Richson discovers jogging on the Gold Coast while going to film runner in Australia
As dangerous forces intervene, what begins as a high-stakes healthcare delivery quickly falls into confusion.
Wilson plays Ben, a fellow medical courier who is reluctantly swept over a deadly mission.
Unlike many international productions filmed in Queensland, runners introduce Brisbane and the Gold Coast as themselves.
Footage posted online on Saturday also showed a massive crew of a film and a blackout screen on CBD streets.
When filming began, it appeared that some roads were generally closed.
The production is expected to inject $20 million into the Queensland economy with support from Screen Queensland’s production attraction strategy.
Approximately 90 local jobs will be created through the project, which will benefit both the cast and crew.
Wilson’s unexpected look added an extra layer of excitement to Brisbane’s already bustling magical round.
Magic Round has been a huge success since its inception in 2019, and this year is another sold-out event.
Caxton Street is an iconic entertainment district next to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, with plenty of watering holes for thirsty and poor fans
The NRL Magic Round is a three-day rugby league festival held annually at Suncorp Stadium.
Since its founding in 2019, Brisbane has become a hub for fans across the country during the event.
All eight matches of the round will take place in one venue, with supporters traveling from all over Australia to absorb the action.
The 2025 edition of Magic Round included a double header on Friday and a triple header on Saturday and Sunday.
On Thursday night, we also hosted the opening game for the Women’s Origin series.
Beyond the game, the city will transform into a rugby league carnival with fan zones, community events and live entertainment.
This atmosphere is free of electricity along Caxton Street.
Near Suncorp Stadium, Caxton Street, is the heart of pre- and post-match celebrations in Brisbane.
During the Magic Round, the streets are lined with jersey-clad fans packed into pubs and restaurants.
Live music, supporters and lively energy have made it an important part of the Queensland rugby league experience.
