What Mark Wahlberg Really Thought About His ‘Departed’ Role—and the Tensions with Martin Scorsese

For Mark Wahlberg, starring in a Martin Scorsese film might have seemed like a career highlight, but his experience on The Departed wasn’t without its difficulties. In a candid conversation on the Happy Sad Confused podcast earlier this year, Wahlberg reflected on the behind-the-scenes hurdles he faced while working on the 2006 crime thriller that eventually earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

A Role That Almost Wasn’t

Initially, Wahlberg was set to play a different part in the film, though he didn’t specify which one. “Originally, I was supposed to play another part,” he shared, hinting at an unexpected shift in casting. Although this last-minute change frustrated him at first, Wahlberg eventually recognized the upside. The role of Sergeant Dignam allowed him to stand out amid a cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson. Dignam’s sharp tongue and abrasive personality made him memorable, even if stepping into the role was not what Wahlberg had initially envisioned.

A Dispute Over Hair—And Pay

Another surprising challenge came in the form of a hairstyle standoff. Wahlberg was preparing for his role in Invincible, a sports drama released the same year, which required him to grow out his hair. This clashed with Scorsese’s vision for Dignam’s look. “Marty wanted me to cut it, and I wouldn’t cut my hair,” Wahlberg admitted. “He was pissed off.” The compromise resulted in the “weird hair” Wahlberg sported in the film—an issue he described as emblematic of the logistical headaches that can arise when juggling multiple projects.

In addition to the hair dispute, Wahlberg touched on frustrations surrounding his payment. While he didn’t delve into specifics, he remarked, “Originally, I was supposed to get paid,” suggesting a rocky start to negotiations that left him feeling slighted.

Turning Frustration Into Success

Despite these setbacks, Wahlberg emphasized that everything worked out in the end. “I was pissed about a couple things,” he acknowledged, but ultimately the role of Dignam gave him an opportunity to shine. His performance not only garnered critical praise but also showed his ability to adapt under less-than-ideal circumstances.

For Wahlberg, who began his career in music before transitioning to acting, these challenges were part of the learning curve. His reflections reveal that even for seasoned stars, making a great movie often involves compromise, patience, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. In the end, The Departed remains a career-defining moment for Wahlberg—and a reminder that behind-the-scenes struggles can sometimes lead to the most memorable performances.