Mark Wahlberg started production because he was tired of waiting for “Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise” to pass on the roles
Mark Wahlberg has reflected on his career path, admitting that adding producer to his resume came “out of necessity.”
The 52-year-old actor has an extensive list of television and film appearances before and after his breakthrough role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s in 1997 Boogie nights. A decade later, he made his debut as executive producer of the crime documentary in 2004 Juvies (about juvenile criminals tried as adults).
Since then he has produced or executive produced many of his major releases including Ted (2012), Deep water horizon (2016) and Father Stu (2022).
“I started becoming a producer out of necessity,” Wahlberg said Cigar lovers magazine in a recent interview.
“I didn’t want to sit around and wait for Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise, or whoever was already established before me and were the guys at the time, and Leo [DiCaprio]to pass on a film until I can get my hands on it,” he explained.
“I was always proactive in trying to find material and things to produce that I knew were right for me and shaping my own destiny.”
The Other people The actor added that he wants to try directing next and “work with the next group of great talent.”
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He added that while he’s “certainly working harder now than ever before,” he’s not “thinking.” [he’ll] I will continue to operate at the pace I have now for much longer.”
It’s been over a year since he last appeared in a film – Father Stua biography about former professional boxer Stuart Long, who became a Catholic priest after a motorcycle accident that nearly killed him.
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In a 2022 interview with insiderWahlberg, who is Catholic, explained that the inspiration for the film came from his priest.
“He told me the story a few times and eventually it registered for me,” Wahlberg said. “I realized, ‘Wow, I’ve been looking for something like this.’ It’s a fantastic role, a powerful and inspiring story. It felt different and original to grab people’s attention.”
At the time, he told the station that he was in the process of setting up a production company that would focus exclusively on faith-based films.
“I hope I can inspire other top talent to do what I did Father Stu: Bet on yourself, take a risk. It’s not always about the paycheck,” Wahlberg said.