Mark Wahlberg is certainly one of the most bankable actors out there, and for him turning down even billion-dollar franchises is like a guilt-free trip. Named as the highest-paid actor in the world by Forbes in 2017, The Fighter actor once turned down George Clooney’s $1.4 billion Ocean’s Eleven franchise for Planet of The Apes (2001), something Clooney felt Wahlberg should have regretted.
Mark Wahlberg’s Gamble Turned Out To Be A Box Office Bomb
Mark Wahlberg flaunts an incredible net worth of over $420 million, often earning 3x than other actors associated with big franchises like Marvel. However, the Fear actor once turned down George Clooney‘s $1.4 billion Ocean’s Eleven franchise for a $362 million box office bomb, something the franchise’s Danny Ocean felt should have been his biggest regret.
When asked some people said no to the 2001 movie, Clooney famously said:
“Steven had just done ‘Erin Brockovich’ and ‘Traffic, ‘and he was nominated for directing both films. So, people really wanted to work with Steven. That said, some people did say no to us.”
Some very famous people told us to f*ck right off: Mark Wahlberg, Johnny Depp. There were others. They regret it now. I regret doing fucking ‘Batman.’”
Mark Wahlberg was offered the role of Linus Caldwell, the pickpocket, which eventually went to another A-lister, Matt Damon. Instead, Wahlberg picked up Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001), which became a major box office bomb, also garnering criticism for its confusing plot and ending.
Mark Wahlberg Disses George Clooney’s $1.4 Billion Franchise
While Clooney declared that Mark Wahlberg must regret turning down a $1.4 billion franchise, giving up the role of second-generation grifter Linus Caldwell, Wahlberg barely cared about it. When asked if he really refused this role, he said: “Yeah — and it was well worth it, but the second one sucked!”
The actor also expressed how he isn’t a fan of the Hollywood backslapping that goes when the “material doesn’t merit it.” Defending his decision for Planet of the Apes, he responded:
“People tell George Clooney it’s great, but we all know it sucked. I made two bad movies instead — ‘Planet of the Apes’ and ‘The Truth About Charlie’ — but doing that was better than sitting with Brad (Pitt) and George, telling the press how great everybody is!
Mark Wahlberg also shared a story about being in Europe with George Clooney, adding, “We were in Europe, George was funny, then we had some wine …’ — that’s not for me.” He directly conveyed, “Lest George and the rest of the “Ocean’s” gang take offense.” But again, he did convey loving “those guys”, but wanted to step out on his own, and the rest is history.
Warner Bros. is gearing up with a reboot of the Ocean’s franchise, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling attached to star. One can rent or purchase the Ocean’s Eleven film series on Vudu.
Source: Variety
