Mark Wahlberg Reveals the 5 Roles He Regrets Turning Down — Including One That Made Another Star Legendary

Few Hollywood careers have been as unpredictable — or as fiercely self-made — as Mark Wahlberg’s. From his early days as a rapper to acclaimed performances in The Departed and The Fighter, Wahlberg has built a reputation on intensity, instinct, and hustle. But even the most successful careers are shaped by the choices not taken.

In a candid recent conversation, the 52-year-old star admitted there are a few scripts he still thinks about — roles he passed on that later became cultural touchstones.

“I still think about that script,” Wahlberg said with a grin. “Sometimes you pass on something, and it turns into a monster hit — that’s just part of the game. But yeah… there are a few I wish I’d said yes to.”

Here are the five roles Wahlberg says still linger in his mind — including one that turned another actor into a legend.

1. Jack Dawson — Titanic (1997)

Yes, it’s true. Wahlberg was reportedly among the young actors considered for James Cameron’s epic love story.

“I read for it,” he revealed, “but I couldn’t quite see myself as the guy saying, ‘I’m the king of the world!’”

The role went to Leonardo DiCaprio, whose performance as Jack Dawson became iconic. “Leo killed it,” Wahlberg admitted. “But every now and then, I think — man, what a ride that would’ve been.”

2. Jake Sully — Avatar (2009)

Another James Cameron blockbuster Wahlberg missed out on was the lead in Avatar, now the highest-grossing film in history.

“Jim offered me that one, and I passed,” Wahlberg confessed. “I just didn’t get the vision back then. Then I saw what he built — and I was like, ‘Okay, that’s why he’s Jim Cameron.’”

The role went to Sam Worthington, catapulting him into global stardom. “No hard feelings,” Wahlberg laughed. “I’d still jump off one of those banshees any day.”

3. Ennis Del Mar — Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Wahlberg was offered the part later made unforgettable by Heath Ledger, but he declined after reading the script.

“At the time, I wasn’t mature enough as an actor,” he admitted. “Looking back, that movie was beautiful — raw, real, and brave. Heath was perfect. I don’t think I could’ve done what he did.”

4. Tommy DeVito — Goodfellas (1990)

As a teenager, Wahlberg auditioned for a small part in Martin Scorsese’s mob classic but didn’t land the role.

“It didn’t happen, obviously,” he said. “But that movie lit a fire in me. I remember watching Joe Pesci win the Oscar and thinking, ‘That’s what I want to do — make people feel something.’”

5. Dominic Toretto — The Fast and the Furious (2001)

Perhaps the one that stings most: Wahlberg was considered early for the role of Dominic Toretto, which ultimately went to Vin Diesel.

“They pitched it to me, but I was doing something else,” Wahlberg said. “Then the franchise blew up! I love those guys, but yeah, that one still crosses my mind sometimes.”

No Regrets — Just Lessons

Despite the missed opportunities, Wahlberg insists his career unfolded exactly as it should have.

“Every ‘no’ led me somewhere better,” he reflected. “If I’d taken one of those roles, maybe I wouldn’t have done The Fighter or Ted or Lone Survivor. You can’t chase what’s gone — you just learn from it.”

And when asked about the one script that still lingers most? Wahlberg smiled and paused before answering:

“Let’s just say it involved a boat, an iceberg, and a girl named Rose.”

Even for one of Hollywood’s toughest self-starters, it seems some “what ifs” never quite fade.