Luke Wilson jokes elevator ordeal got more attention than some of his movies

Luke Wilson says he was surprised by the widespread attention after he became trapped in an elevator with directors Wes Anderson and James L. Brooks for about 30 minutes at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on July 6.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's The Hawk on July 9, the 54-year-old actor joked that some films he worked hard on "came and gone without a trace," while getting stuck in an elevator became national news.

Wilson said he was glad to be with Anderson and Brooks but admitted that after about 30 minutes, he "just wanted some fresh air." He recalled removing his tie, jacket and unbuttoning his shirt as the trio waited to be rescued.

The group had attended a 30th anniversary celebration for Bottle Rocket before the elevator malfunctioned. The Los Angeles Fire Department freed them, and they later went out for dinner. A video shared on Instagram showed Anderson asking firefighters what caused the issue, with one official joking that the elevator "probably had too much weight in there."

Wilson also promoted The Hawk, which premieres on Netflix on July 16. The comedy stars Will Ferrell as a former golf star attempting a comeback, with Wilson playing rival golfer Golden Fisk.