Mark Wahlberg shared in a podcast interview that he had some frustrations while filming Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” in 2006. He admitted to being “a little pissed about a couple things” during his time on set, but ultimately felt that everything worked out in the end. Initially, Wahlberg was supposed to play a different role in the film and was supposed to be paid differently. However, he ended up playing Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam and grew out his hair for another film, resulting in a wig-like appearance in “The Departed.”
Wahlberg mentioned that he had just finished filming “Four Brothers” and was preparing to shoot “Invincible” when he worked on “The Departed.” He explained that Scorsese had to manage a star-studded cast including Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alec Baldwin, and more, while dealing with Wahlberg’s limited availability due to his other projects. Despite challenges like having to remove his hair extensions for the role, Wahlberg still managed to give a memorable performance in the film.
In a 2018 interview with GQ, Wahlberg revealed that he originally wasn’t committed to being in “The Departed,” but his agent convinced Scorsese otherwise. The director was enthusiastic about working with Wahlberg on the movie, highlighting the opportunities the role presented, especially given Wahlberg’s background. The actor mentioned that Scorsese gave him the freedom to improvise and make the character his own, which ultimately made the experience more enjoyable for him.
Reflecting on his approach to the role, Wahlberg shared that he initially focused on making the character realistic and credible, considering the Boston gangster setting of the film. However, upon revisiting the part, he realized there was more depth to explore and have fun with. He saw the opportunity for individual growth as an actor and acknowledged that there was something special about the role that intrigued him. Despite his initial doubts and frustrations, Wahlberg embraced the challenge and delivered a compelling performance in “The Departed.”
Overall, Wahlberg’s experience working on “The Departed” was a mix of challenges and rewards. From initially being unsure about taking on the role to ultimately finding inspiration and enjoyment in the character, he navigated the complexities of filming a Scorsese movie with a star-studded cast. Despite facing obstacles like time constraints and conflicting schedules, Wahlberg was able to channel his talents and deliver a memorable performance in the critically acclaimed thriller. His journey from frustration to fulfillment on set is a testament to his dedication and passion for his craft as an actor.
