“I train like an athlete to be able to put on that uniform”: Mark Wahlberg Admitted His Greatest Ever Role Was a Race Against Time Due to His Age

Mark Wahlberg on how he felt about having been cast as the lead star in Invincible.

“I train like an athlete to be able to put on that uniform”: Mark Wahlberg Admitted His Greatest Ever Role Was a Race Against Time Due to His Age

SUMMARY

  • Mark Wahlberg has starred in numerous great movies over the years, one of them is 2006's Invincible.
  • The Ted actor admitted he felt proud of having been chosen to have been cast as the lead star in Invincible.
  • Invincible is based on Vince Papale's journey from a bartender to one of America's best football players.
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Mark Wahlberg has won the hearts of many movie lovers from around the world with movies like Ted, Uncharted, Daddy’s Home, Transformers: Age of Extinction, etc. He has been a phenomenal artist since his debut in 1989 and Invincible is a clear proof of the claim. Even Wahlberg himself considers his role in Invincible as an honor. 

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Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter

The actor opened up about his role as Vince Papale in one of the most famous movies of 2006. American actor Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg, also known by his former stage name Marky Mark, talks about his experience from the set of one of his most challenging movies, Invincible. 

Mark Wahlberg is Proud of Being Cast in Invincible

Mark Wahlberg in a still from Invincible
Mark Wahlberg in a still from Invincible

It’s always a difficult task for any actor to keep pace with the passing years and perform uniformly. Playing active roles after turning 35 isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, Mark Wahlberg is built differently. When Mark Wahlberg was selected to play the lead role in Invincible, he was closing in towards 40. 

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The film demanded a good fitness score as the lead role was a professional athlete. On top of that, the fact that the film is based on a true story makes the requirement of physical fitness more crucial. A few months back, when the Manning brothers brought up the topic of playing the role of Vince Papale in front of Wahlberg, the actor was overwhelmed with pride and respect. 

While answering one of Peyton Manning’s questions, Wahlberg said (via NFL on YouTube):

“When I was cast, I was almost 40. For me, it was an honor. I train like an athlete to be able to put on that uniform. It was an honor.”

Getting the role of such an inspirational real-life figure is indeed a matter of great respect and the fact that Wahlberg nailed the role adds to the celebration. No doubt the film industry has always put its faith in Wahlberg without any hesitation. 

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What is Invincible About?

A still from Invincible
A still from Invincible

Directed by Ericson Core, Invincible (2006) is a non-fictional, sport-thriller movie based on the life of professional footballer, Vince Papale. The movie is a visual account of how after a lot of struggle, Papale fulfilled his dream of being a professional footballer by playing for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1976 to 1978 with the help of his coach, Dick Vermeil. 

The film was released on August 25, 2006, in the U.S., starring Mark Wahlberg, Elizabeth Banks, and Greg Kinnear. The film is genuinely inspiring and acts as a ray of motivation for all aspiring athletes. 

After going through many hardships, including a divorce from his wife, Vince Papale (portrayed by Mark Wahlberg), goes on to celebrate a joyful life as a footballer. Even though Papale couldn’t begin his career with impressive stats, he gradually led his team to its first win against the New York Giants. 

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Later, the Philadelphia Eagles even appeared in Super Bowl XV. From a part-time bartender to a celebrated footballer, Vince Papale was really one of a kind. No wonder Wahlberg considers his role as an honor. 

Invincible is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Disney+.

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Written by Ankita

Articles Published: 227

With over two years of content writing experience, Ankita Shaw, a dedicated writer at FandomWire, is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Physiology Honors.
Having authored more than 500 articles for Animated Times, Ankita exhibits a keen passion for exploring the nuances of popular culture, animated realms, and the ever-evolving landscape of YouTube and streaming culture.
Committed to continuous learning and growth, Ankita thrives as a well-informed and devoted writer, navigating the dynamic facets of the content universe.