Mark Wahlberg Sounds Done With R-Rated Movies

He played opposite Seth MacFarlane’s foul-mouthed teddy bear in 2012’s Ted. He was known for cursing up a storm as Sergeant Sean Dignam in 2006’s The Departed.

And he certainly was not shy about coming off more risque in his early career days as a rapper and underwear model when he was known as Marky Mark.

However, as a now 52-year-old man, Mark Wahlberg feels it is time to tone it down and start showcasing more of his family friendly side.

Speaking to Yahoo Entertainment, Mark Wahlberg explained his motivation for leaving his wilder days behind, saying, “I’m a dad of four. I’ve got a kid in college. I like playing age-appropriate roles. I think a lot of people don’t embrace that and audiences are like — this doesn’t seem real.”

It does not sound like Mark Wahlberg regrets any of his R-rated film days, but just acknowledges that some things are best for certain seasons of life. And he feels he has matured past his edgy portrayals.

Mark Wahlberg does not name names of any actors he feels are trying too hard, but he sounds like he feels that some actors cling too tightly to the days of their youth.

At this point, Mark Wahlberg makes it clear he wants to be involved in projects that his whole family can enjoy together.

That is showcased with his latest upcoming film, Arthur the King, in which he plays an endurance racer named Mikael Lindnord who adopts a stray dog named Arthur midway through the race, and decides that they will finish the journey together. It is based on the 2016 book Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord.

The real-life Lindnord wrote the memoir based on true events that he went through. Wahlberg stars in and produces the movie adaptation.

Part of why Mark Wahlberg might be switching to a more mellow pace in the tone of his movies is that he also admits he is ready to slow down in terms of his career.

He has had pretty steady work in his career and acknowledges he is starting to feel the fatigue catching up to him and that he does not think he can continue at the rate that he has been.

So his current roles might not just be a farewell to R-rated movies, but also a gradual departure from the film industry as a whole.

If this is truly the beginning of the wholesome era of Mark Wahlberg, then nobody can fault him for wanting to have some work that he can sit down and watch with his kids.

And when they grow up, they can always go back and watch their dad’s older, more adult-oriented offerings. Plus, Wahlberg does concede to a never-say-never attitude about getting involved with a movie, more like the old days.

He states, “Listen, if the right script comes, I don’t rule anything out.” So who knows, maybe we will still see one last hurrah for Wahlberg’s raunchier days before he calls it a career.

Arthur the King will be in theaters on March 15.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter