Mark Wahlberg, with decades of experience in the entertainment industry and a plethora of film roles under his belt, emphasizes the profound role that seeking God’s guidance plays in his career.
“I’ve been starting my day with prayer for decades now,” the 52-year-old actor and father-of-four disclosed in an interview with The Christian Post. “It helps me get through everything, especially to remind me of what I’m trying to do on a daily basis. I’m away from home, I miss my family, so it’s got to start with gratitude.
“And then also, the guidance and the reminder to continue to do the things that He wants me to do and the path that He wants me to take, because I'll always have a plan, and He changes that quite often,” he added.
Recently, Mr. Wahlberg collaborated with Jonathan Roumie, known for his role in “The Chosen,” to endorse the prayer and meditation app Hallow during the Super Bowl. Mr. Wahlberg’s upcoming film, “Arthur the King,” slated to hit theaters on March 15, recounts the story of Mikael Lindnord (portrayed by Mr. Wahlberg), an adventure racer in pursuit of one last triumph.
Based on real events, the film chronicles Mr. Lindnord’s remarkable journey during the 2014 Adventure Racing World Championship in Ecuador, where he forges an unshakeable bond with Arthur, a stray dog encountered amid the grueling 435-mile race.
Mr. Wahlberg expressed his admiration for Mr. Lindnord and his team, stating, “We were inspired and awestruck by what Michael and his team would do in these races for real, so we wanted to honor them.”
Preparation for the physically demanding role entailed three months of rigorous training for Mr. Wahlberg. Reflecting on the process, he shared, “I didn’t think too much about it … but once you’re in it, you’re in it, there’s no backing out.”
“Arthur the King” transcends the race itself, offering a poignant glimpse into Mr. Lindnord’s personal life, his unwavering commitment to adventure racing, and the profound significance of family support. The film explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the unexpected bonds formed amid adversity.
In selecting roles, Mr. Wahlberg places considerable emphasis on whether they align with his family’s values. Contemplating his commitment, he remarked: “Every time I choose a role, is it something [my wife and kids] would want to see me in? Not so much would they approve because … I haven’t played a bad guy for 20-something years, and I just did that recently.”
The film is directed by Simon Cellan Jones and is an adaptation of Mr. Lindnord’s bestselling book, “Arthur: The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home.” Rated PG-13, the movie also features Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman.
A devout Catholic, Mr. Wahlberg has increasingly supported projects that resonate with his faith. In 2022, he produced, starred in, and personally financed “Father Stu,” a film portraying the true story of Stuart Long, a boxer-turned-priest who surmounted formidable obstacles to fulfill his calling. Reflecting on the film’s message, Mr. Wahlberg emphasized the themes of redemption and hope, stating, “[God is] looking for the people who have real experience and can appreciate being touched and given another chance.”
Before ascending to stardom in Hollywood, Mr. Wahlberg grappled with personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and legal troubles. He attributed his turnaround to his faith and told The Christian Post: “All the real-life things that I have been through, I want to share. And I want to let people know that, you know what, it’s OK. Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.”
