Mark Wahlberg Reveals Why He Went Bald for ‘Flight Risk’ – And How His Kids Reacted

Mark Wahlberg is known for his dedication to his roles, but his latest on-screen transformation took a surprising turn — one that caught even his wife, Rhea Durham, off guard. While filming his upcoming movie Flight Risk, directed by Mel Gibson, Wahlberg opted for a dramatic haircut that left him partially bald, a bold decision that added to his character’s rugged, hitman persona.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Wahlberg shared that he went all-in on his character by shaving his head every day while on set instead of relying on a bald cap. “There was no bald cap. I shaved the middle and left the horseshoe around the sides. We just shaved it,” he explained. “They would shave the top as close to the scalp as possible every day, obviously, because we didn’t have any stubble or anything. So I just hid it with a hat.”

The biggest surprise, however, came when he revealed the look to his wife. “But the most priceless thing was seeing my wife’s face when I took my hat off after getting the haircut for work that day,” Wahlberg recalled. It was a moment that certainly left an impression, as Durham was not expecting her husband’s drastic transformation.

In Flight Risk, Wahlberg plays a pilot who is tasked with transporting a federal agent, played by Michelle Dockery, and a fugitive, portrayed by Topher Grace, across Alaska. However, the plot takes a sharp turn when Wahlberg’s character reveals himself as a hitman sent to eliminate the fugitive to prevent him from testifying in a major trial. The film’s high-stakes action and Wahlberg’s bold new look are sure to make an impact when it hits theaters.

Wahlberg, who has been married to Durham since 2009, shares four children with her: Ella (20), Michael (18), Brendan (15), and Grace (14). While his new haircut was a shock to his wife, Wahlberg says his kids, especially his sons, were far more entertained by it. “Oh, they’re gonna love it. My kids — my boys especially — they loved the haircut,” he shared with a laugh. “They got a lot of laughs out of that.”

The film, which was shot in just 22 days, allowed Wahlberg to wear his shaved head look for a brief period before he ditched it entirely. Reflecting on the filming process, he revealed that he’s not a fan of the time spent in the makeup chair. “I don’t like the makeup chair. I mean, I don’t like touchups and all that stuff,” he admitted. “I kind of like to do all that prep and everything leading up to it. Then by the time we’re actually working, I don’t like to be kind of picked and poked and prodded. I like to kind of just do my thing.”

Wahlberg also expressed his preference for avoiding fake props like wigs or mustaches, which he finds distracting. “For me, yeah, it’s not fun. You know, hopefully I can just kind of become the character,” he explained. “Wearing a fake — either a wig or mustache, I always feel like it feels ridiculous.”

With Flight Risk showcasing Wahlberg in a new, grittier role, the actor’s unexpected bald look and dedication to his craft will likely leave an impression on both his fans and his family. As for his wife and kids, they may never look at Wahlberg’s hair the same way again.