Mark Wahlberg Admits He’s Not Ready for the MCU — And the Reason Why Is Hilarious

Mark Wahlberg says he’s not so sure about ever stepping into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor, now 54, opened up about his thoughts on superhero movies while promoting his new movie Play Dirty, which comes to Prime Video on October 1, 2025.

At the premiere, Wahlberg spoke with Entertainment Tonight and admitted that Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s company, Team Downey, produced his latest film. Interestingly, Downey Jr. was once supposed to play Wahlberg’s role in Play Dirty before he became Marvel’s Iron Man.

When asked if Downey Jr. could convince him to join the MCU, Wahlberg didn’t hold back. “I don’t know if I have the confidence to walk out of my trailer in one of those costumes,” he said.

He also shared his honest thoughts on the genre. “I have seen many that I love, Iron Man being my favorite. I think that was really the epitome of quality superhero films. But I just never really had the opportunity, so I never had to make any decision on whether I would or not. But I hadn’t really pursued anything in that genre either,” Wahlberg explained.

This isn’t the first time Wahlberg’s name has been tied to superheroes. He revealed he once came close to being cast as Robin in Batman & Robin. The role went to Chris O’Donnell instead, and Wahlberg admitted he was relieved about that outcome.

Over the years, Wahlberg has taken on a wide range of roles in films like Boogie Nights, The Departed, The Fighter, and The Italian Job. He also starred in two Transformers movies, which shared some of the big action and spectacle often seen in superhero blockbusters. Still, he’s never actually put on a cape or mask.

For now, Wahlberg seems happy sticking with projects like Play Dirty, leaving the Marvel and DC worlds to others.

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