Mark Wahlberg took his commitment to his latest role to another level, fully immersing himself in character throughout the filming of ‘Flight Risk’. The 53-year-old actor, known for his dedication to his craft, later apologized to his co-stars for being distant during the shoot.
Wahlberg explained that his intense focus on playing a villain made him less sociable on set, something he realized only after production wrapped.
A Role That Demanded Full Commitment
In the movie “Flight Risk,” Wahlberg plays a hitman who acts as a pilot with the aim to target fugitive Winston (Topher Grace) and U.S. Marshal Madelyn (Michelle Dockery). Given the psychological depth of the character, Wahlberg admitted that he became fully absorbed in the role.
“I was locked into the part the whole time. If we weren’t shooting, I was either off in the corner by myself or sitting in my dressing room,” Wahlberg shared in an interview with People magazine. He further explained that his character was constantly provoking and manipulating others, which influenced his off-camera behavior.
“I was like the guy who was constantly picking at them, poking them, and prodding them from the back of the plane the whole time.” Because of this intense mindset, Wahlberg said he was not as engaging with his castmates as he normally would be. “I apologized at the end because I wasn’t very engaging off-camera. I was just in that headspace,” he admitted.
Fast-Paced Filming With No Time for Distractions
Unlike blockbuster productions that take months to complete, ‘Flight Risk’ had a tight schedule, with just 22 days of shooting. This quick turnaround required the actors to stay in character almost constantly.
“It wasn’t four or five months of this—it was quick,” Wahlberg said, emphasizing how the limited time made him double down on his method-acting approach.
With so little time to fine-tune his performance, he relied heavily on his acting inspirations to build his character.
Drawing Inspiration from Hollywood Icons
To craft his performance in ‘Flight Risk’, Wahlberg looked to some of Hollywood’s most chilling villains. “I’ve always loved characters from films like ‘The Shining’ with Jack Nicholson, ‘In the Line of Fire’ with John Malkovich, and ‘Cape Fear’ with Robert De Niro,” he said.
These performances, known for their unsettling intensity, helped Wahlberg shape his own take on a sinister, unpredictable antagonist. He also expressed his excitement about returning to a villainous role, something he had not done since his performance in ‘Fear’ back in 1996.
“I hadn’t done it in such a long time, but I kept thinking about how I wanted to play this role.”
Collaborating Again With Mel Gibson
‘Flight Risk’ reunites Wahlberg with Mel Gibson, who directed the film. The two previously worked together on ‘Father Stu’, and Wahlberg was eager to collaborate again.
Wahlberg has often praised Gibson’s directorial style, noting how the veteran filmmaker brings out the best in his actors.
A Shocking Transformation
To enhance his character’s look, Wahlberg made a bold decision—partially shaving his head for the role. His wife, Rhea Durham, had a strong reaction when she first saw his new look. “She dove under the covers, screaming, ‘Aaah, get out of here!’” Wahlberg said with a laugh in an interview with Extra.
However, after some time, Durham warmed up to the transformation. “She thought it was cool after a while.”
Choosing Practicality Over Prosthetics
For Wahlberg, shaving his head was not just about the character’s appearance—it was also a practical decision. “I didn’t want to sit in the chair for two hours every day, putting on a bald cap and getting hair glued on,” he explained.
Instead, he opted for a low-maintenance approach that allowed him to focus entirely on his performance. “Shaving it down made things easier. I just had to trim it in the morning, and I was free all day.”
‘Flight Risk’ Marks a New Chapter for Wahlberg
With ‘Flight Risk’, Wahlberg embraces a darker, more psychological role than his usual action-packed performances. His decision to stay in character throughout filming demonstrates his commitment to bringing authenticity to the screen.
Although his intensity on set distanced him from his co-stars, Wahlberg’s apology at the end of filming showed his appreciation for their patience and professionalism.
Fans eagerly anticipate seeing this side of Wahlberg when ‘Flight Risk’ hits theaters, adding another compelling chapter to his diverse acting career.