Mark Wahlberg Says He’s Not Ready for the MCU — His Reason Will Crack You Up

Mark Wahlberg doesn’t see himself suiting up as a Marvel superhero anytime soon. The actor, who turns 54 this year, recently explained why he has no plans to join the MCU, even though his career has included plenty of action-packed roles.

His comments came while promoting his upcoming film Play Dirty, which arrives on Prime Video on October 1, 2025.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight at the film’s premiere, Wahlberg revealed that Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s company, Team Downey, produced Play Dirty. He added that Downey Jr. was originally lined up to play his character before taking on Marvel’s Iron Man instead.

Asked if Downey Jr. might convince him to join the superhero world, Wahlberg responded with honesty and humor. “I don’t know if I have the confidence to walk out of my trailer in one of those costumes,” he said.

Wahlberg also shared his perspective on superhero films in general. “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,” he explained.

This wasn’t the first time his name came up in superhero casting. Wahlberg recalled that years ago he was considered for the role of Robin in Batman & Robin, but the part ultimately went to Chris O’Donnell. Looking back, Wahlberg said he was glad he didn’t end up taking the role.

Over the years, Wahlberg has built a wide-ranging career with films like Boogie Nights, The Italian Job, The Departed, and The Fighter. He also starred in two Transformers movies, which shared the big action style often found in superhero blockbusters, though he has never actually stepped into the Marvel or DC universes.

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