The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) is a visually stunning and heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Ben Stiller directs and stars as Walter, a timid man with a rich imagination who steps out of his comfort zone to chase a missing photo — and ends up finding the adventure of a lifetime.
Do you remember which countries he visited, what photo #25 meant, and how much a life lived is worth? Take this 10-question trivia challenge and see if you’re ready to stop dreaming and start living
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays Walter Mitty in the 2013 film?
Correct Answer: Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller not only stars as Walter Mitty but also directed the film. His performance captures the quiet, unfulfilled life of a man lost in fantasy — and his transformation into someone brave enough to take real risks.
- What company does Walter work for?
Correct Answer: Life magazine
Walter works at Life magazine, which is undergoing a transition to digital. The magazine’s real-life motto — “To see the world…” — is used in the film as both a literal and symbolic guide for Walter’s awakening.
- What is Walter’s job at the company?
Correct Answer: Negative assets manager
Walter manages photographic negatives in the magazine’s photo department. Though his work is behind the scenes, it places him in direct contact with legendary photographer Sean O’Connell — and with the missing negative that kicks off his journey.
- What causes Walter to embark on his real-life adventure?
Correct Answer: A missing photo negative
Photo #25, sent by Sean and intended for the final cover of Life, goes missing. Walter sets out to find Sean and recover the negative, which leads him on an epic journey across multiple continents and into a new chapter of his life.
- Who plays Cheryl, Walter’s love interest?
Correct Answer: Kristen Wiig
Kristen Wiig plays Cheryl, a co-worker Walter has a crush on. Her presence in his fantasies — and her quiet encouragement in reality — gives Walter the emotional push he needs to take the first steps toward change.
- What famous photographer sends Walter on his journey?
Correct Answer: Sean O’Connell
Sean O’Connell, played by Sean Penn, is a reclusive and respected photojournalist who values authenticity and the beauty of the natural world. His character serves as a kind of spiritual guide for Walter, emphasizing the importance of presence over performance.
- Which of the following places does Walter travel to?
Correct Answer: Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas
Walter’s globe-spanning trip includes jumping onto a helicopter in Greenland, skateboarding down winding Icelandic roads, and hiking through the Himalayas. These places reflect both external adventure and internal transformation.
- What does Walter often do before his real journey begins?
Correct Answer: Daydreams elaborate heroic fantasies
Walter escapes from his dull reality through vivid daydreams in which he is a superhero, explorer, or romantic lead. These fantasies are filled with action and confidence — traits he gradually embraces in his real life.
- What is significant about the missing photo negative #25?
Correct Answer: It’s meant for the final cover of Life magazine
Negative #25 is described by Sean as “the quintessence of life.” After all the searching, it’s revealed to be a photo of Walter himself, working at his desk — a poetic tribute to his unseen value and dedication.
- How does Walter’s journey change him by the end of the film?
Correct Answer: He gains confidence and lives more fully
By the end of the film, Walter no longer needs to daydream. He’s faced real danger, connected with others, and embraced spontaneity. When he and Cheryl walk off together in the final scene, it’s a quiet moment of genuine fulfillment and self-worth.
