Mark Wahlberg Reveals His Frustration While Filming 'The Departed' with Martin Scorsese

Mark Wahlberg Explains Why He Was Pissed Shooting The Departed With Martin Scorsese

Mark Wahlberg. Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Mark Wahlberg was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in The Departed in 2006. However, working with director Martin Scorsese wasn't always easy.

In the movie, Wahlberg starred alongside Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin, and Martin Sheen. He played the role of Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam, who chose Trooper William “Billy” Costigan Jr, portrayed by DiCaprio, to uncover a spy in the Massachusetts State Police.

"I was a bit upset about a few things," shared the Daddy's Home actor in a recent interview on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast. Initially, I was supposed to take on a different role. However, we eventually agreed that I would portray Dignam. I recognized the benefits of playing that character and how I would interact with the rest of the cast."

After The Departed, Wahlberg had a series of upcoming films lined up. He was getting ready to star in Invincible, a biographical film about Philadelphia Eagles football player Vince Papale. This role required him to grow out his hair."

"I was originally only supposed to work on The Departed for a couple of weeks so I decided to let my hair grow for Invincible. However, things changed and four months later, I was still on The Departed. I refused to cut my hair, which made Marty angry," Wahlberg shared. "He kept insisting, 'You need to cut your hair,' but I stood my ground and said, 'I don't care.'"

Eventually, Wahlberg and Scorsese, who is now 81, were able to resolve their disagreement.

Wahlberg sympathized with Marty's situation. Dealing with Jack, Matt, Leo, the studio, and the rest of the cast was not easy.

Mark Wahlberg Explains Why He Was Pissed Shooting The Departed With Martin Scorsese

Mark Wahlberg. Josh Horowitz/YouTube

Looking back, Wahlberg is happy he accepted what became a landmark film in his career.

When I first read the role, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to have some fun and really shine. Despite a few challenges, I knew this was a good role for me.

In another interview, Wahlberg admitted that he initially rejected the chance to be in The Departed.

"I wasn't fully onboard with the movie, but my agent told Marty otherwise," Wahlberg shared with GQ in 2019. Despite initially declining the offer, Scorsese personally reached out to him with great enthusiasm. Wahlberg recalls, "Marty called me and was really pumped about working on this film together. I still hesitated, saying, 'I'm not up for it.'"

However, everything changed when Wahlberg met with Scorsese face-to-face. The director's passion and willingness to let Wahlberg shape his character ultimately swayed him to take on the role.

After reading the script again, I was feeling pretty angry and adamant about not wanting to do it. However, Marty convinced me otherwise. He pointed out the exciting parts where I could interact with a large group of people. Knowing my background in the Boston world, I discussed the possibility of improvising and adding my own touch to the character. Marty reassured me, saying, "Dude, you're free to do what you want to do."

As a result, "The Departed" went on to become one of the most acclaimed films of 2007. It received multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

Editor's P/S:

Mark Wahlberg's journey in "The Departed" was marked by both challenges and triumph. His initial reluctance and subsequent determination to shape his character speak to his dedication as an actor. Despite conflicts with director Martin Scorsese over his hair, they were able to resolve their differences, demonstrating their mutual respect and commitment to the art of filmmaking. Wahlberg's willingness to trust Scorsese's vision and his own instincts ultimately led to a memorable and Oscar-nominated performance.

The article highlights the importance of collaboration in the creative process. Despite initial disagreements, Wahlberg and Scorsese found common ground through open communication and a shared desire to create a compelling film. Their ability to negotiate and compromise allowed them to overcome obstacles and produce a cinematic masterpiece. This collaboration not only benefited the film but also strengthened the bond between the actor and director, laying the foundation for future successful projects. showcased both Wahlberg's talent and Scorsese's masterful direction, proving that even the most challenging collaborations can produce exceptional results.