Mark Wahlberg said in an interview with magazine for cigar lovers that one of the reasons he turned to producing was that it was clear in his acting work that he would always take a backseat to fellow megastars like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. Starting with “The Fighter” in 2010, Wahlberg has produced or executive produced almost all of his major releases.
“I became a producer out of necessity,” Wahlberg said. “I wasn’t going to sit around and wait for Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise or whoever was already established before me and they were guys at the time, and Leo (DiCaprio) to go pass the movie until I could get my hands on it. . I’ve always been proactive in trying to find material and things to make that I knew were right for me, to create my own destiny.”
Wahlberg added that with his producing and acting credits, he wants to try directing next and “work with some other big talents. Working with the next batch of great talent.” He noted that the future of his career will likely involve slowing down as an actor after a few years in which he premiered several new films.
“I’m definitely working harder now than ever,” he said. “With certain businesses, you kind of build them, pass them on, or leave. Hopefully my kids, we’ll see what their interests are, but I don’t think I’ll be acting that much longer at the rate I’m at now. That’s for sure. Because that’s the hardest part.”
Wahlberg didn’t appear in a movie this year, but 2022 was packed with movies like “Uncharted,” “Me Time” and “Father Stu.” His upcoming credits include the Apple original film “The Family Plan” starring Michelle Monaghan and the action film “Our Man From Jersey” starring Halle Berry.
