Mark Wahlberg‘s latest film, Flight Risk, may not have impressed audiences, but it has resulted in a significant shift in box office rankings. The action thriller, which premiered in theaters last weekend, grossed over $13 million, ultimately allowing Wahlberg to surpass Hollywood legend Denzel Washington on the list of the highest-grossing stars of all time, according to The Numbers. As both actors now sit at $2.7 billion earned at the domestic box office, Wahlberg proudly holds the #40 spot, while Washington has been dethroned.
Flight Risk follows the gripping tale of a U.S. Marshall tasked with transferring a witness to New York on a small plane, navigating the harsh Alaskan wilderness. However, as tensions rise, the marshall discovers that the other passengers may not be who they claim to be. The film features an impressive cast including Michelle Dockery, Topher Grace, Leah Remini, Monib Abhat, and Paul Ben-Viktor, with Mel Gibson at the helm as director.
Despite the film’s box office success, critics have not been kind; it currently holds a dismal 26% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences only slightly more impressed at 64%. This low rating continues a troubling trend for Wahlberg, who has faced criticism for his recent work. His previous film, Arthur the King, alongside Marvel’s Simu Liu, received a moderate 69% critics’ score, while last year’s Netflix release, The Union, paired him with Halle Berry but only managed a measly 38%. Additionally, despite its poor reception with a 27% rating, Apple TV+ is moving forward with a sequel to The Family Plan.
In stark contrast, Samuel L. Jackson remains at the pinnacle of box office earnings, bolstered by his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which play a significant part in his $5.8 billion total. The top ten highest-grossing stars also include fellow Marvel actors like Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Pratt, Scarlett Johansson, and Zoe Saldaña, alongside Hollywood heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, and Harrison Ford.
To regain their standing, Wahlberg and Washington will need to secure roles in upcoming box office hits. Recently, Denzel shocked fans with retirement rumors during press events for Gladiator II, but he quickly clarified his intentions during an appearance on the Today Show Australia. “For me, it’s about the filmmaker, especially at this point in my career. I’m only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make – probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done,” he stated, highlighting his aspiration to take on distinct roles such as Hannibal and performing Shakespeare’s Othello again as he approaches 70.
Fans are particularly enthusiastic about Washington’s confirmed appearance in Ryan Coogler‘s upcoming Black Panther 3, which could significantly bolster his chances of reclaiming his box office ranking from Wahlberg. Not to be overlooked, Washington’s plans to tread the boards on Broadway this winter alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in Othello add to the excitement surrounding his career. This production marks a significant revival as the last Broadway performance of the play occurred over 40 years ago, starring James Earl Jones as Othello.
The upcoming Broadway debut, directed by Tony award-winner Kenny Leon, is set to commence performances this February at the Barrymore Theater in New York City, where Washington will take on the titular role while Gyllenhaal portrays Iago. With Washington’s illustrious history in theater, including acclaimed performances in classic plays, anticipation around this revival is increasingly high.
Ultimately, the box office shift and the competitive landscape among Hollywood’s leading men reflect the ongoing evolution of film and theater. Wahlberg’s emergence as a top contender in box office earnings, despite critical setbacks, highlights the relentless and ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry, especially as both actors navigate their futures in an increasingly demanding marketplace.