Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
TheShooteris one of the significant movies in the career of Mark Wahlberg. TheTedfame has been a part of many action thrillers and the 2007 movie is a major name among it. But interestingly, Wahlberg almost lost the movie to another significant action star- Keanu Reeves.TheShooterfocuses on the story of a Force Recon Marine Scout Sniper veteran, Bob Lee Swagger.
Although Mark Wahlberg was ultimately spotted in the final cut of the movie, it is surprising that the actor was not the first choice despite having a military past. The 51-year-old actor’s father, Donald Edmond Wahlberg Sr. was a U.S. Army veteran.
Also Read:“I’ve never been asked”: Mark Wahlberg Wanted to Steal Iconic Role from Robert Downey Jr in $29 Billion Franchise
Mark Wahlberg was not the first choice for the role of Bob Lee Swagger
TheTransformers: Age of Extinctionactor portrayed the role of a sniper veteran Bob Lee Swagger in the 2007 movie, starring alongside Michael Peña, Danny Glover, and Kate Mara. Swagger is one of the primary characters in the novels by Stephen Hunter and the movie is based on his 1993 novel,Point of Impact.
The character of Bob Lee Swagger is also inspired by a real-life U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, Carlos Hathcock. As stated by the scriptwriter William Goldman, the role was passed on by Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, and Harrison Ford, who were more accurate to the source material thanMark Wahlberg.
On the other hand, theJohn Wickfame was also another competition on the path of Mark Wahlberg. According to sources, Keanu Reeves was the original choice to play Bob Lee Swagger. But ultimately after the father of 4 starred in the movie, it grossed a good figure of $95.7 million on a budget of $61 million.TheShooterreceived mixed reviews from the critics but it was praised as a quite enjoyable flick. A 2016 TV series with the same name based on the movie was also released, which ran for 3 seasons.
Also Read:“I was like, ‘Holy s**t'”: Mark Wahlberg Went Nuclear after Rejecting $2.26 Billion Franchise That Launched Chris Pine
Mark Wahlberg is reuniting with Mel Gibson in his upcoming movie
Mel Gibson was last seen directing the critically acclaimed 2016 hitHacksaw Ridgestarring Andrew Garfield in the lead role. The Oscar-winning movie maintained Gibson’s streak of critically acclaimed box office hits.
Now according to reports by Deadline, theFather Stuco-stars are reuniting with Mel Gibson as the director and Mark Wahlberg in the lead. The movie titledFlight Riskwill feature theTedstar in the role of a pilot given the task of transporting a dangerous criminal. The director-actor duo has been seen together in several projects in the past, such asFather Stuand theDaddy’s Homefranchise. Speaking about the duo, the global distributor, Lionsgate movie’s chairman, Joe Drake said:
“We love the undeniable electric pairing of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg. These world-class talents combining for this dynamic, character-driven film will make Flight Risk one of the most suspense-filled, must-see events of the year.”
Also Read:“I put millions and millions of dollars”: Mark Wahlberg Doesn’t Regret Spending Insane Money Because of Mel Gibson in His $350 Million Project
Lionsgate also distributed Mel Gibson’s last directorial,Hacksaw Ridge,which received six Oscar nominations, receiving two awards out of them. Looking at Gibson’s track record, it can be hoped that the movie might turn out to be another major hit in theApocalyptodirector’s career.
The Shootercan be rented on Apple TV+.
Source:IMDb/Deadline
Subham Mandal
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1461
Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.
