Jordan Walker-Pearlman, the filmmaker and nephew of the late Gene Wilder, finds himself in a precarious financial situation regarding a piece of Hollywood history: his renowned uncle’s former home in Los Angeles.

The property in question is located in the upscale neighborhood of Bel Air. In 2020, the home was owned by tech mogul Elon Musk. Musk, showing generosity, agreed to sell the property to Walker-Pearlman and his wife, Elizabeth Hunter, for $7 million. Additionally, Musk offered a loan to facilitate the purchase, helping the couple secure the residence that had significant sentimental value.

However, the situation has taken a troubling turn. The Wall Street Journal reported that Walker-Pearlman and Hunter are struggling financially and have fallen behind on the $6.7 million loan that Musk extended to them. As of summer 2024, an entity connected to Musk has filed a notice of default, signaling the beginning stages of foreclosure on the property. According to the legal documents, the couple is approximately $7 million behind on their payments. If the situation is not resolved within 90 days, the house could be put up for sale.

Despite these ominous developments, Walker-Pearlman has displayed an unusual level of calmness. In a statement to the Journal, he expressed gratitude towards Musk, emphasizing that the billionaire’s actions had been generous and considerate. “There’s no tragedy here,” Walker-Pearlman remarked. “Elon gave us a magical opportunity. I have no complaints.” He reassured that Musk’s intentions were not adversarial or punitive.

The property, once a retreat for Hollywood icons such as Mel Brooks and Sidney Poitier, is now listed for nearly $13 million. Its features include a vintage Hollywood ambiance, complete with a kidney-shaped pool and expansive views of the surrounding area. Despite the current market value, it remains uncertain whether the sale will occur in time to avert foreclosure.

Walker-Pearlman attributes part of their financial difficulties to the recent strikes in the entertainment industry, which significantly impacted his and his wife’s financial stability. Elizabeth Hunter, who holds the title to the house, reportedly felt uneasy about the ongoing financial obligation to Musk. Walker-Pearlman noted that she was uncomfortable with the moral and financial debt they continued to owe Musk. “She did not want to continue morally owing Elon anymore,” he explained. “We already owe him such a spiritual debt.”

For Walker-Pearlman, the home represents more than just property. It is a repository of cherished memories from his childhood, where he experienced the Hollywood lifestyle firsthand. Gene Wilder, his uncle, purchased the house in 1976 for $300,000 following the success of “Young Frankenstein.” Wilder lived in the home until 2007, when he sold it for $2.72 million. The house became a hub for Wilder’s social life, where he hosted Sunday gatherings and entertained friends like Mel Brooks and Sidney Poitier. For Walker-Pearlman, these gatherings were a form of informal education and a significant part of his upbringing.

After Wilder’s death in 2016, the house was acquired by Elon Musk in 2013 for $6.75 million. Musk purchased the property as it was conveniently located across the street from his main residence. When Musk decided to sell the house in 2020, Walker-Pearlman and Hunter saw it as a chance to keep a piece of family history and jumped at the opportunity, despite not being able to meet the full asking price of $9.5 million. Musk’s willingness to lower the price and provide a loan was seen as a lifeline.

Now, with the threat of foreclosure looming, Walker-Pearlman is preparing to let go of what he calls a “magical” chapter of their lives. Despite the financial strain, he maintains a positive outlook and does not harbor resentment. “This is likely the closing of a very unicorn and beautiful chapter of our lives,” he reflected. “I’m not disgruntled at all.” His attitude underscores his appreciation for the opportunity Musk provided, even as they face the possibility of losing the home that holds so much personal significance.