"My character is in every scene, but during the 12-hour days over six months, I was on fire," Mark Wahlberg tells USA Today about his role in the upcoming "The Gambler." "You prepare your whole life for a part like this. I was living on adrenaline." Confident words from the actor, regarding a movie that could be a late player in the Oscar race.
Directed by Rupert Wyatt ("Rise Of The Planet Of The Planet Of The Apes"), this remake of a 1974 drama follows a professor whose gambling addiction sends him on a downward spiral. Not only did Wahlberg lose 60 pounds for the part, but he committed to playing a teacher, which is not the kind of role he’s known for.
"Comments we’ve been getting from the test screenings include ‘I never thought I would see Mark Wahlberg as a professor, but I believed it and went along for the ride,’" the actor said. "Hearing that hit on one of my big reasons for doing this part. It’s different and unexpected."
Can Wahlberg’s dedication put him in awards season contention? We’ll soon see. Co-starring Brie Larson, John Goodman and Jessica Lange, "The Gambler" arrives on December 19th. New pics below.