While it was initially set to be a reunion for Robert Downey Jr. and Shane Black, this will be no longer the case for Black’s upcoming film Play Dirty. Although RDJ is still tuned in as one of the executive producers, the writer-director has moved on to Mark Wahlberg, who will lead the film based on Donald E. Westlake’s Parker novels.
However, fans aren’t quite as sold on the upcoming hard-boiled flick following the synopsis reveal for the movie. This has led to some claiming that the movie might not live up to the expectations initially placed upon it.
Play Dirty Fails to Impress Fans on Paper
The synopsis for the adaptation of the hardened professional thief, who has served as the basis for films such as Payback and The Outfit, has left fans divisive. Per THR,
Mark Wahlberg will play “the hardened professional thief who is, naturally, double-crossed and left for dead. His hunt for revenge, however, brings with it a shot at the biggest heist of his career. But, per the studio, even with the help of his partner, an actor-slash-con artist named Grofield, he’ll still need to outsmart a South American dictator, the New York mob and the world’s richest man if he hopes to stay alive.”
While on one hand, fans are excited to see what Shane Black has stored up his sleeves, some aren’t quite sold on it yet, as the revenge heist trope has been done to death.
Tired of these heist movies
— Robb (@yoshi6838839) January 17, 2024
Sounds like a typical Shane Black one. Sign me up ⬆️
— Believe the hype! (@agezzzie) January 16, 2024
I laughed looking at just the synopsis 😂😂
— Preetam Rao (@Preetam_M_Rao) January 16, 2024
Shane black? Oh yeah pic.twitter.com/MIK0xdflqI
— Jason Stephens (@BaileyHyde9) January 16, 2024
Isnt that the plot of EVERY Mark Wahlberg movie?
— Afshin (@SheenMEANS) January 16, 2024
But keeping in mind it’s Shane Black behind the wheel, one can expect it to be anything but predictable, as Black is known for subverting fans’ expectations regularly. And with the script being penned by Black himself, alongside Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry, it’s reasonable to be hopeful.
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Lakeith Stanfield Joins Mark Wahlberg in Shane Black’s Play Dirty
Apart from Mark Wahlberg, Shane Black has also brought in acclaimed character actor LaKeith Stanfield into the mix, who has built an impeccable filmography over the years. Known for his work in critically praised films, including Judas and the Black Messiah, Get Out, and Knives Out, it’s easy to see Stanfield fit in a Shane Black-helmed film and match his stylized humor.
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Considering Black has succeeded in pulling out some career-best performances from actors such as RDJ and Ryan Gosling, fans will hope the same turns out to be the case for Mark Wahlberg. And while the synopsis on paper has reasonably caused certain fans to be concerned, Black has already been credited for having reinvented buddy cops since becoming a director. Hence, one can expect him to deliver with the heist trope as well.
No release date for Play Dirty has been made public as of yet.
