Mark Wahlberg, the star ofSony’s upcoming biographical dramaFather Stu, breaks down why he thinks this will be the most important film and role of his entire career. The film’s vision was brought to life by first-time director Rosalind Ross.
Father Studepicts the real-life story behind Father Stuart Long, a boxer turned priest who inspired millions with his unwavering journey towards healing and redemption. On the already rocky path laid out before him, he also suffered from a degenerative muscle disease called inclusion body myositis. Although Wahlberg is the main lead in the film, he is supported by quite the impressive A-list cast. Alongside Wahlberg, the film also features actors Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) and Mel Gibson (Braveheart,Mad Max), who portray Stuart’s parents. The film also stars Teresa Ruiz, Nico Nicotera, Annie Lee, and Cody Fern.Father Stuis Wahlberg’s first feature role since the release of February’s adventure box office hit,Uncharted, where he was joined on screen bySpider-Man: No Way Home’sTom Holland as his co-star.
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Now, in a recent interview withTODAY,Wahlberg spoke abouthis upcoming highly-anticipatedFather Sturole and explained why he believes it’s the most important film of his career to date. “I was at a pivotal time in myself, in my own spiritual journey, and it’s certainly the most important film I have ever done," he said. “Obviously, it’s the greatest role that I ever got to play. It’s the first time I really had to go the extra mile to get a movie made.”
Wahlberg continued by noting how he believesFather Stuhelped him use his platform for good. “I’ve had many turning points, eye-opening experiences, things that I’ve learned that have just kind of touched me and helped me get to the position that I’m in now. It was like, okay, how do I use the platform that I have now to give back and start to do service,” he said. “And so, getting Stu’s word out there, continuing to promote his message, and just encouraging people to focus more on their faith and have hope. I certainly wasn’t put in this position for nothing. I just got to do more.”
Wahlberg’s revelation towards wanting to shift his career towards giving back to the public and just overall trying to further inspire his fans is quite profound, especially in the more midlife crisis era of his career that he currently finds himself in. For Wahlberg to be self-reflective and self-aware enough to not only realize the privilege he has experienced in his life but to want to make that sense of gratitude the foundation for the roles he chooses from now on is admirable.Wahlberg is a self-devotedpracticing Catholic himself, and religion and salvation, in general, do play a large role in Stuart’s story. Yet, it’s obvious that this film’s intentions are not meant to promote a certain faith or push that on people, but rather to express that hope in the face of an apathetic world is always needed.
Father Stuis now playing in theaters.
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