Mark Wahlberg stars in Flight Risk a new thriller movie directed by Mel Gibson. Wahlberg portrays a character who is a hit man disguised as a pilot. His targets are U.S. Marshal Madelyn Harris played by Michelle Dockery and fugitive Winston played by Topher Grace.
Mark Wahlberg Describes Immersive Villain Role Preparation and Short Film Schedule
In an interview Mark Wahlberg mentioned his deep involvement in the villain role for Flight Risk . He stated he remained in character throughout the 22-day filming period often isolating himself when not shooting. Wahlberg noted this role is his first time playing a villain since 1996's Fear. He described his character’s actions as constantly provoking and testing the other characters. Wahlberg apologized for his limited off-camera engagement explaining it was due to his focus on embodying the villainous mindset.
Wahlberg expressed admiration for villain portrayals such as Jack Nicholson in The Shining John Malkovich in In The Line of Fire and Robert De Niro in Cape Fear. He indicated these characters influenced his interest in taking on the Flight Risk role.
Mel Gibson's Direction and Collaboration with Mark Wahlberg on Flight Risk Movie Project
Mel Gibson directed Flight Risk marking another collaboration with Mark Wahlberg. They previously collaborated on Father Stu in 2022 and Daddy's Home 2 in 2017. Flight Risk however is the first instance of Wahlberg starring in a movie under Gibson's direction. Wahlberg praised Gibson's directorial approach noting his clear vision and collaborative nature. Gibson's past directorial work includes Hacksaw Ridge which received multiple Academy Awards.
Wahlberg highlighted the fast-paced filming schedule for Flight Risk with up to 20 pages shot daily. He contrasted this with his typical experience of around 30 days for filming movies. He admired Gibson's filmmaking talent citing films like Apocalypto and Braveheart.
Plot and Critical Reception of Flight Risk Movie Starring Mark Wahlberg
Flight Risk is a thriller centered on a U.S. Marshal escorting a fugitive witness on a small plane. The plot twist reveals the pilot is actually a hired killer. Early reviews for Flight Risk are largely negative. Critics describe the movie as forgettable with tonal inconsistencies. Some reviews criticize the script and dialogue. However a few critics acknowledged some merits such as the film's adherence to thriller genre conventions and ability to maintain viewer attention despite flaws.
Flight Risk Movie's Box Office Performance and Opening Weekend Results
Flight Risk achieved number one position at box office during its opening weekend. Despite this success the overall weekend box office earnings were low across the industry. The movie's opening weekend gross was estimated between $11 million and $12 million. This marks Lionsgate's second number-one opening of 2025. However this opening is considered modest compared to other thriller movies in similar genre. Audience reception is mixed with a C CinemaScore. Lionsgate's release strategy for Flight Risk may focus on recouping investment through various distribution channels beyond theatrical performance given its budget and genre.