As the new details surrounding Mark Wahlberg’s upcoming movie suggest, the actor is breaking his 28-year villain streak in the most exciting way. Better known as Marky Mark in the ’90s, Mark Wahlberg’s career as an actor spans over three decades, with a diverse set of movies under his belt. Although he has acted in many different genres and played myriad roles, the actor has a surprising villain streak that has lasted for 28 years.
However, his villain streak is finally about to end with his upcoming film in which he plays an unexpected role. Although most details surrounding this upcoming project are still shrouded, it seems to fork Mark Wahlberg’s acting career in a new direction. Owing to this, it is hard not to be excited about its release.
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Mark Wahlberg’s Flight Risk Villain Teases Sound Like His Best Role In Years
Mark Wahlberg has not played a villainous character since 1996
Since Mark Wahlberg has usually gravitated towards playing heroic roles in action comedies or feel-good flicks like his recent Arthur the King, it is hard not to associate him with the image of a morally right and charismatic protagonist. Even in his more serious roles in movies like The Fighter and The Lovely Bones, he perfectly encapsulates the “good guy” image, cementing his persona as the archetypal hero. However, new details surrounding his upcoming role suggest that he is taking his acting career in a new direction by defying the archetypes associated with him.
In an interview (via Collider), the actor revealed that he plays the “craziest f–ker you’ve ever seen” in his upcoming film Flight Risk, reminding viewers that this is his first villainous role since 1996’s Fear. His revelation confirms that he is pushing his own boundaries as an actor and expanding his portfolio with a more diverse set of roles. While it may be a little too soon to predict how Flight Risk will turn out to be, Mark Wahlberg’s decision to experiment already sounds intriguing, almost guaranteeing that his role as a villain will be his best in years if he pulls it off well.
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Mark Wahlberg’s New Villain Role Can Be A Lot Better Than His Last One
Mark Wahlberg has significantly evolved as an actor since Fear
From a commercial standpoint, Fear was a sleeper hit after it premiered in 1996. However, despite raking in some profits, the film was not received well by critics, who called its stalker drama overblown and implausible. Although Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon’s performances in the film were appreciated, the two stars were not showered with praise, which is understandable since they were still in the early years of their acting career. However, it has now been 28 years since Fear‘s release, and Mark Wahlberg is more refined and experienced as an actor.
By taking on relatively serious roles in movies like Father Stu, Infinite, and Joe Bell in recent years, Mark Wahlberg has not only polished himself as an actor but also proven that his acting range extends well beyond action comedies. Owing to this, one cannot help but have faith that he will put up a good performance as Flight Risk‘s antagonist. Fear was also a corny psychological thriller targeted primarily towards teenagers. Flight Risk, in contrast, seems to dabble with relatively darker themes, allowing Wahlberg to portray a more nuanced and narratively rich villainous character.
Best Mark Wahlberg Movies (Based on RT Score) | Rotten Tomatoes Scores |
|---|---|
Three Kings (1999) | 94% |
Boogie Nights (1997) | 94% |
The Departed (2006) | 91% |
The Fighter (2010) | 91% |
Deepwater Horizon (2016) | 82% |
What We Know About Flight Risk
Mel Gibson is directing Flight Risk
Although most details surrounding Flight Risk are under wraps, it is known that Mel Gibson is at its helm. The film revolves around an Air Marshal responsible for taking a fugitive on a plane across the Alaskan wilderness. However, things start taking a dark turn when the Air Marshal realizes his pilot may not have his best interests in mind. Apart from Mark Wahlberg, the film also has Michelle Dockery, Topher Grace, and Monib Abhat on its roster. Considering how Flight Risk is Mel Gibson’s first directorial endeavor since Hacksaw Ridge, the film and its portrayal of Mark Wahlberg as a villain already sounds incredibly exciting.
