Mark Wahlberg Wants To Work On Projects With 'Real Substance' In The Future

Action movie veteran Mark Wahlberg wants to toe a different line in the movie industry. Known as a devout Christian, the actor has starred in several popular movies like "Mile 22," "Infinite," "Pain & Gain," "Four Brothers," "Two Guns," and several others.

His most recent movie, "Father Stu," apparently gave the actor a clearer purpose than his previous roles. The film is a true retelling of a Catholic priest who was a boxer named Stuart Long. The relatively tame storyline is much more mellow than his previous more violent action cinema.

Wahlberg revealed that being a part of the movie made him realize that he wanted to be part of more movies with "real substance." In his words, films that can "help people." The actor also mentioned that he hoped the anticipated film would help him and other people in the industry lean towards creating content that is "more meaningful."

The biographical drama "Father Stu" is set to be released this month, and Wahlberg is doing the expected media rounds. The actor appeared in a session with Entertainment Tonight, talking about the movie and his recent acting decision.

In the interview, the "Uncharted" actor said his involvement in the movie felt like a new start, and he was interested in making more like it. "I feel like this is starting a new chapter for me in that, now, doing things like this — real substance— can help people," the 50-year-old said.

"I definitely want to focus on making more," he continued. "I wouldn't say necessarily just faith-based content but things that will help people. Wahlberg added that he hoped the movie would "open a door" for himself and several other people in the movie industry to make "more meaningful content."

While Wahlberg is a known catholic, the actor revealed that he is letting his children choose their religious paths. In an episode of the "Today show" last week, the "Shooter" star revealed that his four children, Ella (18), Michael (16), Grace Margaret (12), and Brendan (13), were all free to make their own choices regarding religious beliefs. Wahlberg is married to Rhea Durham.

The 50-year-old jokingly mentioned that his children thought of him as "crazy" and "boring," but he previously decided that he wouldn't force his faith on them. "But they know that Dad can't start the day without being in prayer," Wahlberg added. "Can't start the day without reading my scripture or going to Mass."

By showing his children glimpses of his faith without necessarily pushing it on them, the actor revealed that he hoped it would bring them over. He said, "And hopefully, instead of forcing that on them, they'll say, 'Well, if it works for Dad, maybe it'll work for us,' and they'll kind of gravitate towards it on their own."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO2pSlfjXbw

In an appearance on The Tonight Show, Wahlberg revealed what he had to go through to get to the required body size for his "Father Stu" role. The actor was noticeably bigger in the film, all due to constant eating.

"Unfortunately, I had to consume, for two weeks, 7,000 calories, and then for another two weeks, 11,000 calories," he recalled. "It's such a hard, physical thing to do. Losing weight, you just kind of tough it out, you just don't eat and exercise."

Wahlberg continued, revealing that he had to eat "every three hours" in his weight gain journey. "And this, even when you're full, I would wake up after a meal and have another meal," he continued. "I was eating every three hours. It was not fun."

Wahlberg's latest work, "Father Stu," is apparently responsible for the actor's decision to work on more faith-based productions. The biographical movie is reportedly a true story about the life of boxer turned priest Stuart Long.

Wahlberg played Stuart, who works as a supermarket clerk after leaving the world of boxing. Stuart meets a catholic Sunday school teacher Carmen, played by Teresa Ruiz, who he goes to church for in a bid to win her over. At a point, the long-time agnostic got involved in a motorcycle accident, which he survived and made him review his beliefs.

Wahlberg, as Stuart, decides to toe the line of a Catholic priest despite several obstacles, including a terrible health crisis, the Church officials' skepticism, and his estranged parents. The movie was directed and written by Rosalind Ross, while Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, and Jordon Foss are producing it. "Father Stu" is set to be released on April 15.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHREzAdyCPs