Cannes Film Festival 2013

Mark Wahlberg says he turned down 'Star Trek' role

J.J. Abrams asked the 'Transformers 4' star to play Captain Kirk's dad

<p>Mark Wahlberg at the 2013 Oscars.</p>

Mark Wahlberg at the 2013 Oscars.

Credit: AP Photo

Are you a fan of Star Trek?

Sign up to get the latest updates instantly.

Despite starring in films like "Planet of the Apes" and the upcoming "Transformers 4,"  sci-fi apparently just isn't Mark Wahlberg's bag, even when it comes to J.J. Abrams and "Star Trek."

During an interview with Total Film about "Broken City" (which opens in the U.K. on Friday), the actor revealed that he turned down a role in Abrams' 2009 "Star Trek" reboot.

"I remember him asking me to play Captain Kirk's father in 'Star Trek' and I tried to read the script and I didn't understand the words, the dialogue or anything," he admitted. "I said, 'I couldn't do this. I think you're really talented, but I couldn't do it.' Then I saw the movie and I was like 'Holy sh*t, he did a great job.' I probably wouldn't pass up an opportunity to work with J.J. again. So, if he wanted me to do something that I couldn't fully understand, I'd probably give it a shot." 

Wahlberg also expresses an interest in seeing what Abrams will do with the "Star Wars" universe, although he admits to only having seen the first one when he was a kid. He explains that he grew up less with sci-fi and more with movie tough guys like Steve McQueen and James Cagney. 

The role of Kirk's dad ultimately went to Chris Hemsworth ("The Avengers").

After "Broken City," Wahlberg will next be seen in Mchael Bay's "Pain & Gain," and will also star in "Transformers 4" for the director. "Ted 2" is also in his future

"Star Trek Into Darkness" opens May 17.

Comments

  • Option 1

    Comment instantly as a guest Guest
  • Option 2

    Connect
  • Option 3

    Login or create a HitFix account Login Signup
  • Default-avatar

    Ted

    The most shocking aspect of this story is that Mark Wahlberg -- while growing up an American male in the 80's -- somehow only managed to see one Star Wars movie. What is he, some kind of a Communist?

    February 26, 2013 at 9:27PM EST Reply to Comment
    • Default-avatar

      HT would i be a "Communist" too if i told you i didn't watch a Star Wars movie until like in the 90's when i was in High School or sometime thereafter(i think) and that probably goes double who are like Mark Walhberg you sir are an idiot..just saying; and by the way DON'T PRESUME that every freaking kid and adult alike watch Star Wars while growing up

      February 27, 2013 at 1:27AM EST
    • Default-avatar

      Tom Have you ever considering something called sarcastic humor HT? Or do always take people so seriously?

      February 28, 2013 at 7:47AM EST
  • Gamera1_talkback_profile

    KlarkKent

    Thank God for Chris Hemsworth.

    February 26, 2013 at 10:53PM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    Josh

    Thank god! What a horrible actor he is anyway.

    February 28, 2013 at 8:29AM EST Reply to Comment
    • Default-avatar

      Dk Considering the end product (st film), the acclaimed screenwriters who worked on ST, and Contraband...I think MW needs to re-evaluate his script reading.

      February 28, 2013 at 11:30AM EST
  • Default-avatar

    Sid

    Ok..geez.. we get it Mark.. you are muy macho to the core.. steve mcqueen lol.. no one was raised on him.. unless you are the ultimate muy macho poser! You go girl!

    March 2, 2013 at 5:28AM EST Reply to Comment
  • Default-avatar

    champ

    It was like a 3 minute role Mark! U couldn't understand that? Shields up fire everything we got...your only lines...lol dummie

    March 5, 2013 at 10:20PM EST Reply to Comment

Get Instant Alerts on Breaking News

Recent Activity on Facebook
Most Popular on Facebook
Top Stories From Around the Web