Long Before Uncharted, Mark Wahlberg Hesitated To Do a $85M Video Game Movie That Was Crucified by Critics

Hollywood and video game adaptations have a complicated relationship. While some films find success, many are met with a barrage of criticism from fans and critics alike. Long before Mark Wahlberg suited up as Sully in Uncharted, he dipped his toes into the world of video game movies. 

With an $85 million budget, stylish visuals, and a strong cast, it had all the makings of a hit. But even before stepping onto the set, Wahlberg had his doubts, in hindsight it seems pretty justified. But why did Wahlberg hesitate?

What did Mark Wahlberg find that made Max Payne a red flag?

When Max Payne was pitched to Mark Wahlberg, he wasn’t exactly jumping with joy. Despite the game’s cult following and gritty neo-noir storyline, Wahlberg wasn’t familiar with the source material.

But when he found out that it was based on a video game he was taken aback. In an interview with Bobbie Wygant, he was asked whether he was familiar with the video game and he replied,

I was not. I read the script and loved it and then they told me that it was based on a video game and it was a bit of a red flag for me because I don’t know that video games could be turned into movies. I grew up playing very simple games like Pac-Man and stuff like that so I went and immediately checked out the game. But, it’s a very interesting story and it’s very cinematic so I thought it was a natural thing to make into a movie.

He was skeptical about adapting a beloved video game into a full-length feature. And honestly, he wasn’t wrong to be worried. At the time, Hollywood hadn’t exactly mastered the art of turning games into compelling movies. 

Wahlberg’s instincts were tingling, but he took the role anyway. Perhaps it was the promise of a stylish action thriller, or maybe he thought he could elevate the material. Either way, he was in. Even though the game Max Payne 2 was a massive success, Max Payne didn’t just disappoint, it flopped hard.

What went wrong with Max Payne?

From the outside, Max Payne had potential. It had an established fanbase, a compelling story inspired by gritty noir films, and some solid action sequences. So what happened? Instead of a thrilling action film, audiences got a sluggish, muddled mess that left both gamers and casual moviegoers disappointed.

For starters, the movie took itself way too seriously. While the game balanced its dark tone with over-the-top action and a self-aware narrative, the film leaned into the gloom and doom without much of the fun. The slow-motion gunfights, one of the game’s signature elements were present, but they lacked the excitement and impact that made them so iconic in the first place. 

Then came the critical beatdown. Rotten Tomatoes critics held nothing back, slamming Max Payne for its disjointed storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and lack of emotional depth.

Fans of the game were especially vocal about how much the movie strayed from the source material. The supernatural elements felt forced and the pacing was off. Even though the movie failed, Mark Wahlberg was praised for this effort to make it work.

Despite a decent box office return, largely due to opening weekend curiosity, Max Payne quickly faded into the ranks of forgettable video game adaptations. Wahlberg moved on to bigger and better projects, and Hollywood learned, once again, that translating video games to film is no easy feat.

Max Payne is streaming on Apple TV.