Mark Wahlberg roles turned down in major movies have become almost as notable as the ones he accepted, shaping a fascinating alternative Hollywood timeline. Known for his versatility and presence in films like Boogie Nights, The Departed, and popular hits across genres, Wahlberg’s career path includes several surprising rejections of high-profile roles, each leading to strikingly different outcomes both for him and the films involved.
The Early Career That Set the Stage
Mark Wahlberg began carving his niche in Hollywood with Renaissance Man in 1993, sharing the screen with Danny DeVito. However, it was his performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in 1995’s The Basketball Diaries that earned him significant attention. The ascent continued with a memorable turn in 1997’s Boogie Nights, establishing him as a bankable star. Over the years, Wahlberg has chosen roles in everything from high-octane blockbusters like Planet of the Apes, The Italian Job, and Transformers, to acclaimed dramas such as The Departed and The Fighter, and comedies including Ted and The Other Guys.
While he is one of the industry’s most reliable leading men, strengthening franchises and delivering critically recognized performances, there are a handful of major movies for which Wahlberg, whether by preference or circumstance, opted to step away.
Six Surprising Movies Mark Wahlberg Said No To
Below are six outstanding films where Wahlberg’s decision not to appear altered both the course of his own journey and cinema history. Each selection is accompanied by the star-studded cast that ultimately brought the project to life.
1. Ocean’s Eleven: A Missed Chance at an Iconic Heist
When Steven Soderbergh rebooted Ocean’s Eleven, he assembled some of the most celebrated names in Hollywood: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Andy García, Casey Affleck, and more. Notably, Wahlberg was initially cast as Linus Caldwell, the skilled, ambitious thief. However, he left the project, and Matt Damon stepped into the role, joining the all-star cast.
Instead of the Vegas caper, Wahlberg chose to lead Tim Burton’s 2001 adaptation of Planet of the Apes. While Planet of the Apes saw financial success, it faced criticism from both audiences and critics, and did not launch a franchise. By contrast, Ocean’s Eleven became a massive hit and the foundation for a profitable series. This divergence highlights the unpredictable outcomes of career decisions for top Hollywood talent.
2. Donnie Darko: Turning Down a Cult Classic Lead
Donnie Darko features a troubled teenager experiencing haunting visions and warnings of impending doom, with Jake Gyllenhaal ultimately portraying the title character and launching his career. Wahlberg was approached for this leading role. However, he insisted on playing Donnie with a lisp, a creative difference that led him to pass on the film when director Richard Kelly declined the idea. Despite a lackluster initial theatrical run, Donnie Darko has become a beloved cult classic, and remains a pivotal work for Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, and Daveigh Chase.
3. S.W.A.T.: Skipping the Action for Another Heist
The 2003 action thriller S.W.A.T. follows a police special weapons and tactics team as they attempt to keep a notorious fugitive in custody after he promises a huge reward to anyone who helps him escape. Samuel L. Jackson, Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez, LL Cool J, and Jeremy Renner led the cast, but Wahlberg was originally at the top of the list to play Jim Street, one of the central officers. Once again, he opted out in favor of another project—specifically, The Italian Job. Colin Farrell took over the role of Jim Street. While S.W.A.T. performed well at the box office with mixed critical response, Wahlberg’s alternative choice found both audience and critical favor.
4. Star Trek (2009): Passing on a Space Saga
J.J. Abrams reimagined the Star Trek universe in 2009, casting Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, and Simon Pegg as Scotty. Wahlberg was offered the role of George Kirk, Captain Kirk’s father, a part with lasting emotional impact in the film. He famously recounted his struggle with the script, stating,
“I tried to read the script, but I couldn’t even—I didn’t understand the words or dialogue or anything, and I said, ‘I couldn’t do this.”
—Mark Wahlberg, actor
Chris Hemsworth ultimately played George Kirk, in what would become a memorable (if brief) role, and Wahlberg later expressed regret over passing on the opportunity after viewing the movie in theaters. Star Trek ushered in a new era for the franchise, sparking sequels and expanding its fan base.
5. The Black Dahlia: Exiting a Notorious L.A. Tale
Helmed by director Brian De Palma with leads including Josh Hartnett, Scarlett Johansson, Aaron Eckhart, and Hilary Swank, The Black Dahlia delves into the infamous 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short. Wahlberg was once set to star as one of the two central police detectives, alongside Josh Hartnett, under the direction of David Fincher. However, both Wahlberg and Fincher left the production due to scheduling and creative conflicts, respectively, and were replaced by Aaron Eckhart and Brian De Palma.
This decision worked in Wahlberg’s favor, as The Black Dahlia received negative reviews and failed at the box office, while his alternative project, The Italian Job, enjoyed both critical and commercial success.
6. Brokeback Mountain: Stepping Away from a Landmark Drama
Ang Lee’s 2005 film, Brokeback Mountain, broke barriers by telling the decades-long romance between two cowboys in the American West, played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, with Michelle Williams also delivering a standout performance. Wahlberg was approached to play Jack Twist, the emotionally complex counterpart to Ledger’s character. He reportedly rejected the part due to discomfort with the film’s subject matter—a move that later drew criticism and impacted public perception. Brokeback Mountain went on to earn $178 million against a $14 million budget, becoming a milestone in LGBTQ+ cinema, and drawing acclaim for its leading actors and direction.
The Lasting Impact of Wahlberg’s Choices
The landscape of Hollywood blockbusters and cult classics would look quite different if Mark Wahlberg had chosen otherwise—his absences paved the way for now-iconic performances by actors like Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, and Chris Hemsworth. As Wahlberg continues to headline major films and enjoy a diverse career, these high-profile roles he turned down remain a testament to how quickly the fate of a movie can hinge on a single casting decision. Each missed opportunity reflects the delicate balance between risk, creative vision, and destiny in the entertainment industry.
