(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Mark Wahlberg has said that he plans to gain 30 pounds in 6 weeks for his role in the upcoming faith-based drama Stu, and in a series of recent set photos, Wahlberg looks to be pretty close, having incredibly transformed himself for the role.
RELATED: Mark Wahlberg to Star in Rosalind Ross’ Faith-Based Drama Film Stu
Wahlberg was spotted on set for the upcoming film and looked like a totally different person, sporting a much bigger frame and generally looking more out of shape than usual for the actor. In recent posts on Instagram, Wahlberg revealed that he had already gained 20 pounds in just two weeks, so he’s fairly close to his goal already.
— Film Updates Media (@FilmUpdateMedia) May 22, 2021
Ok so the first look at Mark Wahlberg in the upcoming “Stu” is *actually* worthy of the “x is unrecognizable* headlines. Damn. pic.twitter.com/Hsdg1y8kO2
— Will Mavity (@mavericksmovies) May 22, 2021
Stu is based loosely on the real-life boxer-turned-priest Father Stuart Long, who turned to the sport of boxing as a release after growing up an angry young man. After his career didn’t take off, Long suffered a horrible motorcycle accident and reportedly had an out-of-body experience which caused him to rediscover his faith and enlist in Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon.
The story is something very personal to Wahlberg’s heart and he has been developing the project for years. The film will be directed and written by Rosalind Ross with Wahlberg and his manager Stephen Levinson set to produce, while Mel Gibson will also star. It is executive produced by Miky Lee and Colleen Camp.
Wahlberg is best known for his critically acclaimed roles in films such as Boogie Nights, The Departed, and The Fighter. He also gained recognition for starring in a few action blockbusters including The Italian Job, Planet of the Apes, and the Transformers films as well as comedies such as The Others Guys, Ted, and Daddy’s Home.
RELATED: Mark Wahlberg-Led Stu Adds Oscar Nominee Jacki Weaver to Cast
Wahlberg recently wrapped filming for Sony’s long-in-development live-action film adaptation of Uncharted and Lionsgate’s canine adventure film Arthur the King. He will next be seen in the biopic drama Joe Bell and the sci-fi action thriller Infinite, the former of which is currently awaiting a new release date after being pulled from the calendar while the latter is slated for a September 24 release from Paramount Pictures.