The year 2007. Mark Wahlberg had just found fame and critical acclaim for starring in Martin Scorsese’s The Departed a year prior. It was an intense moment in his career. One that could make him more famous or could ruin his career by choosing a bad film.
Luckily (or unluckily) for the actor, Wahlberg starred in a film called Shooter. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. However, Wahlberg found a newfound respect for the U.S. Military for their intensive training!
Mark Wahlberg Learned Sniper Training For Shooter
The film follows a plot of Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) who is brought back into action when he discovers a plot to kill the president. He is double-crossed and famed for the murder and Lee Swagger has no option but to run.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film received mixed reviews upon its release. Although it had a decent global box office collection, the film didn’t exactly make or break Mark Wahlberg’s career.
What the film did break was Mark Wahlberg’s back as the actor dived headfirst into some physical training for his role. In an interview with Blackfilm, here’s what Wahlberg had to say regarding his training.
They sent me to sniper training, and I’d done a lot of movies where I’d handled a lot of weapons and stuff like that, but certainly not to this extent.
He continued,
But, actually going to sniper school, meeting a real marine sniper who actually worked on the entire movie with us so I could model a lot of the character after him was a tough job. These guys are so disciplined and they’re as smart as they are tough…just don’t mess with them.
Well, certainly a course of sniper training wouldn’t be your regular exercise as the actor reportedly went under intensive workout training and physical sessions. It was all worth it in the end for Wahlberg.
Having so much respect and admiration for the U.S. Military, Wahlberg didn’t stay behind in showcasing these veterans and soldiers his admiration and deep respect for their service to the country.
Mark Wahlberg Walked Away And Never Looked Back
The marine sniper who worked on the movie with Wahlberg had his fair share of experience with a gun and training. The sniper would help Wahlberg push himself to his limits and Wahlberg loved the feeling.
As the interview further continued, Wahlberg continued to talk about his love and respect for the military. During his talks, the Ted actor mentioned that he bought the marine sniper dinner “all the time”.
I bought the guy dinner all the time, (laughs) I did whatever I could! It was really intense, but I wanted to feel believable as this guy so there’s nothing better then for me to have a part where you have to prepare mentally and physically for a good amount of time.
He further stated,
And dive into the part, block everything else out until it’s over, and hope that you survive it…walk away and never look back.
Not looking back is exactly what he did after the release of this film as it received mixed reviews and reactions from fans. But for Wahlberg’s part, it was all worth it in the end.
Shooter currently stands at a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDB and an average of 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. The iconic 2007 film is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
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