Mark Wahlberg Names His Ultimate Action Movie—Why The Italian Job Is Still His Favorite!

Mark Wahlberg’s career trajectory is a fascinating one, shifting from a musical background in the early 90s with Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch to establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s leading men. Over the years, he’s demonstrated his versatility in films ranging from dramas like Boogie Nights to action-packed thrillers such as The Departed and Shooter. Among his many roles, Wahlberg recently highlighted one film that holds a special place in his heart for its action and stunt sequences: the 2003 heist thriller The Italian Job.

Wahlberg, who has built a reputation for doing many of his own stunts in his action roles, discussed his favorite stunt moments in an interview with the BBC. Reflecting on his time filming The Italian Job, Wahlberg shared, “I’m not one to brag about doing my own stunts and trying to act like I’m a tough guy. I have a guy who looks like me, and I like to put him there as often as possible.” Despite his usual modesty, Wahlberg had high praise for the heist film’s action sequences, which were considered some of the best in his career.

The Italian Job, directed by F. Gary Gray, was a remake of the 1969 classic, but it took an original approach, centered around a crew of thieves who plot to steal a wealth of gold from a former con. The 2003 remake was widely appreciated not just for its homage to the original but also for its thrilling action, which helped it stand out in a crowded genre. Wahlberg, alongside co-stars Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, and Jason Statham, navigated high-stakes heists, daring car chases, and elaborate stunts, earning significant attention for the film’s intense sequences.

For Wahlberg, the action in The Italian Job was special for its grounded realism. “It just works on every level,” he said, adding that the film was “character-driven” and made without heavy reliance on CGI effects. Wahlberg emphasized that the stunt work in the movie was far more authentic than many others, stating that the action felt real because it was created using actual cars and practical effects. “We didn’t rely on a wide-angle shot of a ‘stunt guy’ and then a close-up reaction shot of an actor on a sound stage,” he explained. “They really feel real.”

Wahlberg, who had been sent to driving school to prepare for the film’s fast-paced car chase scenes, went on to explain how the cars used in the film were a thrill to drive. “They’re a blast to drive. But like most people, you get behind the wheel of a car like that, and it’s so small, it’s so manoeuvrable, it’s so fast, and you have a tendency to break the law!”

Looking back, Wahlberg’s involvement in The Italian Job marked a pivotal moment in his career. Although he had already established himself in dramatic roles, this 2003 film showcased a different side of the actor—a charismatic, action-packed hero who could hold his own in high-stakes scenarios. The success of The Italian Job also solidified Wahlberg’s place as a leading action star, setting the stage for future roles in films like The Departed, Four Brothers, and Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Wahlberg’s comments remind us that while action sequences are often synonymous with special effects and CGI, there’s still a significant place for real stunts, precision, and authenticity in filmmaking. The Italian Job remains one of the most memorable action films of the early 2000s, thanks in part to Wahlberg’s grounded approach to his role and the film’s thrilling, real-world stunts.

As Wahlberg continues to expand his career into new territories, it’s clear that The Italian Job will remain a key film in his action repertoire, marking a moment when he truly embraced the fast-paced, stunt-driven roles that would dominate his career for years to come.