From Good Guy to Bad: Mark Wahlberg’s ‘Flight Risk’ Role Pushes the Envelope Like Never Before

Mark Wahlberg’s career has often been defined by his transition from an edgy rapper to a leading man in action films, comedies, and dramas. But in 2025, with the release of Flight Risk, directed by Mel Gibson, Wahlberg made a significant departure from his usual roles, embracing a darker and more villainous portrayal that he described as an effort to “push the envelope.” This marks a major shift in his career, as it represents his first antagonistic role in nearly three decades, since his performance as the troubled villain in 1996’s Fear.

Flight Risk, an American action thriller, features Wahlberg as Daryl Booth, a hitman posing as a pilot while transporting an Air Marshal and a fugitive across the Alaskan wilderness. The film, which premiered on January 24, 2025, also stars Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace. While the film garnered mixed reviews and struggled with critical reception, Wahlberg’s performance was a notable departure from the wholesome, family-friendly roles he’s become known for in recent years.

A Villainous Return

Wahlberg’s portrayal of Booth is a far cry from the likable characters he’s typically associated with. The film’s antagonist is a crass, threatening figure who engages in crude jokes and displays a menacing demeanor. In an exclusive interview with People on January 26, 2025, Wahlberg revealed that this villainous role was a conscious effort to break away from his usual comfort zone. “I think we push the envelope and then let everybody else decide,” he explained, referencing his collaboration with director Mel Gibson to create a character that was both depraved and unpredictable. Wahlberg’s approach to the role involved pushing creative boundaries, with scenes that involved disturbing sexual threats—choices that some critics found uncomfortable but were part of his broader goal to explore uncharted territory.

Physical Transformation and Dedication

In addition to his psychological commitment to the role, Wahlberg also underwent a physical transformation to embody his character. He shaved his head daily during filming, a decision he described as an integral part of his dedication to the part. He later fully shaved his head after completing the shoot, allowing him to enjoy a stress-free summer. This stark visual change was striking, though some critics noted it as a distracting element, highlighting how deeply Wahlberg immersed himself in the role. His willingness to drastically alter his appearance for the part reinforced his commitment to “pushing the envelope” in his portrayal of a character so far removed from his usual on-screen personas.

Critical Reception and Screen Time

Despite Wahlberg’s evident effort to break new ground, Flight Risk received a mixed-to-negative reception from critics. Some praised Wahlberg’s attempt at playing a villain, acknowledging that his performance, though hammy, was a refreshing change of pace. Others, however, found the film’s handling of his character problematic, particularly his limited screen time—Wahlberg’s role as Booth was confined to less than 20 minutes of the film. A review from Screen Rant criticized the character’s minimal presence, which ultimately undercut the impact of Wahlberg’s bold performance. In contrast, CinemaBlend offered a more favorable assessment, dubbing the film a fun throwback thriller with potential for cult status in the future.

Behind the Scenes: A Quick and Intense Production

The rapid production of Flight Risk, which was shot in just 22 days, may have played a role in shaping the film’s tone and Wahlberg’s performance. The tight schedule likely necessitated improvisation, leading to some of the more daring decisions made by Wahlberg and Gibson during filming. Wahlberg’s comments about not censoring himself for the role suggest that the quick pace allowed for a more spontaneous approach to the character, contributing to the film’s boundary-pushing moments.

A Shift in Career and Audience Expectations

Flight Risk marks a bold choice for Wahlberg, especially when compared to his previous work with Mel Gibson, such as Daddy’s Home 2 (2017) and Father Stu (2022). Unlike those films, which leaned into family-friendly humor and drama, Flight Risk is a darker thriller that forces Wahlberg to confront a much grittier side of filmmaking. This shift in tone is not just a career decision—it’s a deliberate challenge to the audience’s expectations of the actor, who has cultivated a public persona as a religious and family-oriented figure. In the People interview, Wahlberg quipped, “God’s a fan of movies and has a sense of humor,” signaling his comfort with exploring more controversial roles and embracing the complexities of his character in Flight Risk.

Ultimately, while Flight Risk may not have fully realized its potential, Wahlberg’s performance in the film demonstrates his willingness to take risks and explore new artistic territories. By stepping into the shoes of a villain after nearly three decades, he proves that he’s not afraid to push the envelope, both for himself and for his audience. Whether or not the film becomes a cult classic, Wahlberg’s commitment to challenging his image and evolving as an actor is a testament to his enduring versatility and ambition in Hollywood.