Mark Wahlberg stated that he became a producer so that he would not have to wait for stars such as Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Cruise to decline desirable roles before being considered.
Over the last two decades, the actor has shifted his focus from acting to producing TV shows and films such as “Father Stu,” “Entourage,” and “Boardwalk Empire,” while also acting.
Wahlberg stated in a new interview with Cigar Aficionado magazine for its September/October edition that he began manufacturing “out of necessity.”
“The reason I started producing was because I didn’t want to sit around waiting for Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise or whoever was already established before me and were the guys at the time, and Leo to go and pass on a movie until I could get my hands on it,” Wahlberg revealed. “So I was always proactive in trying to find material and things that I could produce that I knew were right for me and that I knew would allow me to create my own destiny.”
Wahlberg has stated that he would like to have greater creative influence over the films in which he stars.
“If I’m going to be in that position, I’d rather be driving,” he stated. “If you’re going 100 miles per hour down the highway, would you rather be in the back seat with no seatbelt or behind the wheel?”
Wahlberg also stated in the interview that he is now working hard to leave a sustainable business for his four children with Rhea Durham—Ella, Michael, Brendan, and Grace—to inherit one day.
However, the actor has expressed concern over how long he would be able to continue participating in many films at the same time.
According to Wahlberg (as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter), “Well, I’m certainly working harder now than ever.” “There are certain businesses that you build, pass on, or exit.” We’ll see what my children’s hobbies are, but I don’t believe I’ll be acting for much longer at this rate. That is certain. Because that is the most difficult.”
Wahlberg originally mentioned looking for work outside of Hollywood “sooner rather than later” in an interview with Entertainment Tonight last year. At the time, the actor and his family had relocated from Hollywood to Las Vegas.
In March, Wahlberg told Fox News that he wanted to relocate in order to create a better life for his children.
“It’s really giving the kids a chance to thrive,” added the “Uncharted” actor. “There are numerous opportunities for me here as well.” We’re attempting to establish a studio. We’re attempting to construct the shoe factory. We intend to establish a large number of jobs here.”