The Wahlberg Flick He’ll Never Watch Again: ‘I’ve Paid My Dues’

Every actor has a few projects they’d prefer to forget, and Mark Wahlberg is no exception. With a career that’s seen its share of critical highs and box office lows, Wahlberg has been candid about which film he’d be happy to never revisit: Planet of the Apes.

Released in 2001 and directed by Tim Burton, Planet of the Apes was a much-anticipated reimagining of the classic sci-fi series. Despite its hype, the film was met with tepid reviews and fell short of expectations. Wahlberg himself has reflected on the experience with a mixture of self-awareness and regret. In an interview with Pop Entertainment, he admitted, “I would not only not make Planet of the Apes again, I wouldn’t want to see it again. I don’t think Tim Burton would direct it again.”

While Wahlberg has delivered standout performances in critically acclaimed films like Boogie Nights, The Fighter, and The Departed, he’s also amassed a lengthy list of action thrillers and genre films that haven’t fared as well. He’s spoken openly about trying to shift his career trajectory following Planet of the Apes. “I am at a point in my career that I just want to work with directors that I want to work with. I want to make movies that I want to see and play roles I want to play. I’ve paid my dues and done a lot for the experience and knowledge; now I want to make the movies I want to see,” he explained.

Despite these intentions, Wahlberg’s career didn’t undergo a complete reinvention. The actor continued to mix hits with forgettable titles, from high-octane action films like Mile 22 and Transformers: Age of Extinction to the critically panned Infinite. Yet his acknowledgment of Planet of the Apes as a “monumental misfire” stands out—not because it was his worst film, but because it marked a turning point in how he approached his work.

Looking back, it’s clear that Planet of the Apes wasn’t the sole cause of Wahlberg’s uneven filmography, but it remains the movie he’s most willing to leave in the past. His honest assessment reflects a desire to learn from past mistakes and focus on projects he genuinely believes in.