The Movie Mark Wahlberg Passed On—And Why He Ended Up in Two Terrible Films Instead

Mark Wahlberg’s career has been defined by a diverse array of roles, from the rise to fame in Boogie Nights to commercial hits like Ted and Daddy’s Home. The actor’s journey has seen him take on roles that range from deep dramas to lighthearted comedies, and while his filmography boasts several standout performances, it also features a few less successful projects. One of the most notable career decisions that continues to haunt Wahlberg, however, is his choice to pass on Ocean’s Eleven in favor of two films that ultimately didn’t fare as well.

In the early 2000s, Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven became one of the most beloved heist films of all time, with an ensemble cast including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. The movie’s smooth blend of style, wit, and fun captivated audiences and critics alike, resulting in a global commercial success and spawning multiple sequels. The film follows a group of expert thieves attempting to rob three Las Vegas casinos, with the high stakes and tight-knit teamwork making it one of the most engaging heist films in Hollywood history.

However, Wahlberg, despite being offered a role in the film, turned it down. “I was asked to do the movie, and what happened was, we asked if they would wait for me. But I had already committed to working with Tim Burton for Planet of the Apes and Jonathan Demme for The Truth About Charlie,” Wahlberg revealed. His decision to honor those prior commitments led him to star in Planet of the Apes, a 2001 Tim Burton remake that was met with a lukewarm reception, and The Truth About Charlie, which faced critical backlash.

Reflecting on this decision, Wahlberg admitted that while Planet of the Apes and The Truth About Charlie did not turn out to be the critical successes he had hoped for, he still considered the experiences invaluable. “For me, even though those movies did not turn out to be good, those experiences were great,” he said. “And you know what? At that point, I was still really trying to grow as an actor.”

At the time, Wahlberg’s focus was on honing his craft and working with diverse directors, a goal that led him to make the tough decision to pass on Ocean’s Eleven. Collaborating with Tim Burton, known for his imaginative and often fantastical storytelling, was undoubtedly a unique opportunity, as was working with Jonathan Demme, whose work on The Silence of the Lambs had earned him critical acclaim. Wahlberg’s commitment to working with these filmmakers was born out of a desire to expand his range, despite knowing the commercial risks.

However, looking back, it’s easy to imagine Wahlberg kicking himself for missing out on the Ocean’s Eleven franchise, especially considering the film’s success and the enjoyable experience the cast had working together. Many of the actors involved, including Clooney and Pitt, have spoken about how rewarding and entertaining the process was, and the film’s acclaim has only grown over the years. Ocean’s Eleven not only became a global hit, but it also solidified its place in pop culture, making Wahlberg’s missed opportunity all the more apparent.

Despite this, Wahlberg’s career has certainly not been defined by this one choice. From his award-winning performances in The Departed and The Lovely Bones to his continued success in both action-packed blockbusters and heartfelt comedies, Wahlberg’s filmography remains diverse and successful. His willingness to take risks and his commitment to growing as an actor are what continue to define his career, making it clear that while Ocean’s Eleven may have been the one that got away, Wahlberg’s journey in Hollywood has still been far from a misstep.

In the end, Wahlberg’s story is one of both triumph and learning. While Ocean’s Eleven will always be the role he turned down, it’s just another chapter in a long career that has seen its fair share of ups and downs — and, ultimately, it has shaped him into one of the industry’s most versatile stars.