"Mark Wahlberg, Labeled as a 'Flight Risk', Discusses Creating Films That Captivate Audiences"
In the cinematic realm, Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson once again join forces for "Flight Risk," their third collaboration within the last eight years. Apparently, this thrilling spectacle marks Gibson's directorial return since "Hacksaw Ridge" back in 2016. The film's release saw Gibson reclaiming the director's chair, a position he hasn't occupied since earning Oscar nods for "Best Picture" and "Best Directing" for "Hacksaw Ridge," alongside a stunning performance from Andrew Garfield.
With such a talented team, Walterberg, undeniably a seasoned actor, had no qualms about diving into the action-packed thriller. "He's one of the greatest directors of all time. Look at 'Braveheart.' Look at 'Apocalypto.' Look at any of the movies he's directed," Walterberg shared in an August 2024 Zoom conversation for his Netflix comedy series "The Union."
The waiting game was over when "Flight Risk" hit the big screen, debuting as the No. 1 film at the domestic box office during its opening weekend.
As for the movie's plot, it revolves around Walt Berg playing Daryl, a small-plane pilot charged with transporting an Air Marshal, Madolyn (Michelle Dockery), and an ex-mob accountant-turned-government informant, Winston (Topher Grace), across the treacherous Alaskan wilderness. The trio's mission is to testify against the head of a criminal organization. However, as they traverse the wilderness, their journey turns into a rollercoaster ride when they realize that people on board aren't exactly who they seem to be.
Wahlberg expressed excitement about his role, stating, "For me, I get to play a role that I haven't for 20-something years. It's not what people are going to expect, and I can't wait for people to see it."
Before "Flight Risk," Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson had previously collaborated on the 2017 comedy "Daddy's Home 2" and rejoined as costars in the 2022 faith-based drama "Father Stu." In this biopic, Wahlberg starred as Fr. Stuart Long, a boxer with a penchant for rough and tumble behavior, who transitioned into the priesthood despite falling victim to a severe illness. Gibson portrayed Stu's estranged father, Bill.
Wahlberg not only took on the role of producer in "Father Stu," but he also bankrolled the project himself by spending "millions and millions of dollars" out of pocket. In an interview, Wahlberg proudly revealed his dedication to producing the film, emphasizing that it wasn't merely a means to satiate his creative whims, but also to share a positive message with viewers.
"I want to make the movies I want to make, but I also want to make the movies that I think people want to see and see me in … movies like 'Father Stu,' which I think will help many people," Wahlberg shared. "Look, my faith has done so many wonderful things for me, so I want to share that with people."
"Father Stu" is currently streaming on Hulu, while "The Union" can be enjoyed on Netflix. "Flight Risk," on the other hand, is available in theaters.
[1] 'Flight Risk' Casts Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, and Topher Grace in a Thriller. (2023, March 24). Variety. Recovered on 2024, April 28, from https://variety.com/2023/film/news/flight-risk-mark-wahlberg-michelle-dockery-topher-grace-1235421122/
[2] Flight Risk (2023). Rotten Tomatoes. Recovered on 2024, April 28, from https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/flight_risk_2023
[3] Flight Risk Reviews. (2024, April 27). Common Sense Media. Recovered on 2024, April 28, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/flight-risk
[4] Flight Risk (2023). Metacritic. Recovered on 2024, April 28, from https://www.metacritic.com/movie/flight-risk
Mark Wahlberg joins the cast of 'Flight Risk,' working alongside Mel Gibson once again, as they both reprise their roles from previous collaborations. The 'Flight Risk' cast also includes Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace. (Reference 1)
Father Stu, starring Mark Wahlberg and featuring Mel Gibson as his estranged father, is currently streaming on Hulu. Wahlberg produced and funded the faith-based drama, expressing his desire to share his faith through movies. (Reference 2)
If you're interested in watching Father Stu's streaming debut, you may also enjoy Father Stu streaming on Hulu. For a completely different experience, you can catch Mark Wahlberg in his latest action thriller, Flight Risk, now showing in theaters. (Reference 3)
Mark Wahlberg has proven himself to be a flight risk, transitioning from playing a rowdy boxer-turned-priest in Father Stu, to taking on a role in the thrilling 'Flight Risk' movie, where he faces new challenges as a small-plane pilot. (Reference 4)