Mark Wahlberg Reveals He Wasn’t Convinced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Acting—At First

Mark Wahlberg and Leonardo DiCaprio are two of Hollywood’s biggest names today, but their first collaboration in The Basketball Diaries wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. In fact, Wahlberg initially had serious doubts about DiCaprio’s ability to carry the lead role.

Released in 1995, The Basketball Diaries is based on the life of Jim Carroll, a promising basketball player whose career spirals into drug addiction. DiCaprio took on the challenging role of Carroll, while Wahlberg played Mickey, one of Carroll’s friends. Despite the film’s eventual acclaim—especially for DiCaprio’s harrowing performance—Wahlberg wasn’t convinced at first that his co-star was the right fit.

In an interview with NJ.com years later, Wahlberg reflected on his early hesitation. “I tell you, I wasn’t convinced he was the right guy to be playing this street legend,” he admitted. At the time, both actors were still carving out their places in Hollywood. DiCaprio, who had already built a reputation as a talented young actor, was coming off well-regarded performances in This Boy’s Life and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Wahlberg, meanwhile, was making the transition from his music career as Marky Mark into serious acting roles.

Part of the tension, Wahlberg explained, may have stemmed from their differing backgrounds. DiCaprio had come up through commercials and TV roles, while Wahlberg’s entry into the industry was through a more unconventional route. The two initially didn’t get along, a rivalry that reportedly dated back to an MTV “Rock ‘n’ Jock” basketball game where Wahlberg blocked DiCaprio’s potentially game-winning shot.

However, Wahlberg and DiCaprio eventually found common ground. “When we finally got in a room together, we hit it off,” Wahlberg said. “There was like this instant level of respect, and we went out that night partying and have been friends ever since.”

While Wahlberg’s doubts about DiCaprio’s casting may have caused some early friction, both actors turned in memorable performances. DiCaprio’s portrayal of Carroll earned him significant praise and helped solidify his reputation as a rising star. Wahlberg, meanwhile, continued to hone his craft, going on to earn acclaim for roles in Boogie Nights, The Departed, and The Fighter.

Looking back, the behind-the-scenes tension seems almost quaint given how both actors’ careers have flourished. Wahlberg’s initial skepticism serves as a reminder that even Hollywood’s most celebrated talents face early hurdles—and that sometimes, those hurdles become the stuff of legend.