Get ready for a high-velocity cinematic adventure because Mark Wahlberg is joining forces with the legendary Mel Gibson in the rapid-fire production of the upcoming thriller, Flight Risk. Have you ever wondered what it takes to film a high-stakes movie in a mere 22 days? Well, Wahlberg, who at 53 still thrives on challenges, and Gibson, who continues to astonish with his filmmaking prowess, have masterfully conquered this feat.
In an industry recently rattled by the actor’s strike that left many projects—including the highly anticipated Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse—in limbo, Flight Risk emerges as an exhilarating exception. Reflecting on the dynamic of working with Gibson, whose previous directorial endeavor Hacksaw Ridge garnered immense critical acclaim, Wahlberg praised the director’s clear vision & embracing collaborative spirit.
The Making of Flight Risk: How Mark Wahlberg Beat the Clock in 22 Days
As Hollywood breathes a sigh of relief following the strike, the filmmaking story of Flight Risk offers not only a backdrop of resilience but also the magnetic synergy of its spirited ensemble.
Yes, that’s what we are saying: Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson seem to have hit the ground running with their new movie. Shot in just 22 days, this thriller is already attracting attention in Tinseltown (see PEOPLE).
Wahlberg is clearly impressed with Gibson’s directing skills, stating that the director, 68, knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. Working with Gibson was like a breath of fresh air for Wahlberg, who was more than willing to collaborate and bring his best to the table. The actor stated:
He knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it, but he was also open to collaborating. Again, to be shooting 15, 20 pages a day, something that I had never done before. I’ve shot down ‘n dirty, but, like 30 days was the fastest I’d ever done a film. This was in 20 or 22 days.
The script from Jared Rosenberg caught the attention of Hollywood in 2020, landing on The Black List of most-liked unmade scripts (see Daily Mail). Fast forward to 2023, and Gibson signed on to direct, with Wahlberg attached to lead the film. This reunion of the two powerhouses was a match made in cinematic heaven.
Flight Risk started production in June 2023, receiving a SAG-AFTRA waiver to continue filming during the tumultuous writer and actor strikes. Wahlberg admitted that shooting 15 to 20 pages a day was a new experience for him, but he was up for the task at hand.
Decoding the Delay: Insights into Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse Postponement
Fans can now exhale with relief and let their anticipation soar. With the release of a stunning update that was well worth the wait, actor Brian Tyree Henry has ignited excitement among the fan base for our beloved Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
The long-awaited sequel, orbiting the exceptional success of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, was initially bookmarked for a grand entrance in March 2024 but found itself caught in the sticky web of a Hollywood actors strike.
Of course, the gripping suspense of the delayed release intensified when the cast couldn’t finish their recordings. But, like a true superhero saga, the tide has turned! The strike reached its finale in November when SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP shook hands on a grand truce. Henry, the voice behind the steadfast Jeff Morales, reveled in the good news during a fresh-off-the-press Deadline interview—production is now thrillingly “in the works”. To quote him:
It’s in the works, it’s coming. It’s in the works, for sure, and that one is even more epic than the last.
In any case, Flight Risk survived the writers’ and actors’ strike, which could have put an end to many projects. The long and the short of it is that Wahlberg and Gibson were determined to see this one through to the end.
With Gibson at the helm and Wahlberg leading the charge, Flight Risk is shaping up to be a stimulating ride that we won’t soon forget. Keep your eyes peeled for this action-packed movie that defied the odds and soared to new heights in just 22 days.
There is no release date yet for Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Meanwhile, Flight Risk is set to be released on October 18, 2024.
