Leader of the pack

Does this article just nail Leverage and their "communications"? Ain't it the truth? lol

Mark Wahlberg may like to hang with his posse, but he's not just chillin'. By John Horn

Vancouver, Canada — There's the chef, the trainer, the assistant who some call "E" and someone known as "Rasta Phil," whose exact job isn't precisely clear. Meet Mark Wahlberg's posse, a tight band that is almost impossible to crack, as a visit to the set of the actor's forthcoming movie "Shooter" illustrated.

It's the real version of "Entourage," the Emmy-winning HBO hit series inspired by Wahlberg, who also serves as the series' executive producer.

The plan wasn't that unusual: Send a reporter to visit Wahlberg in British Columbia during production of the film about an ex-CIA agent hired to kill and hang out with the actor for a day or so. Disney, the studio that released Wahlberg's No. 1 box-office opener "Invincible" last weekend, took the proposal to Wahlberg's managers, who approved the idea.

Or did they? More...

Papale on Mark

SI.com: So did Mark Wahlberg do Vince Papale justice in the film?

Papale: You know what? He might have even been better than what I was back then. He really pulled off some great stuff. He kept pushing the body doubles and the stunt doubles away. He would say, "I don't want them to come in with this wide shot. I want to make sure they're on me close the whole way. I'm going to do this whole thing." His athleticism, leadership and the way he caught the ball and moved his feet, the way he just picked things up so quickly was remarkable. And as an actor, well, he's an acclaimed renowned actor, so he just nailed it.

SI.com: Did you know who he was before?

Papale: I had no clue! Somebody told me I was going to meet him so we went to New York to have dinner with him at the Bryant Park Hotel in April, and I told my buddy Rocco, one of my paisans, "Yo, Rocco, I got this guy Mark Wahl, Wahl ..." and he's like, "Oh, my god! Dirk Diggler!" So I said, "What?" and he said, "Boogie Nights!" and I said, "Boogey who?" I had no idea. Afterward, I did some research and bought everything he had done, and then once I got to know him, it didn't make a difference what he did. Mark and I now have become very close. He just went at it and nailed the role. He told me he would play the role with enthusiasm, he would dedicate the role to me and make me proud and he did. I'm just so proud of him.

The Departed footage on "Smith" - new CBS show

Cinematical reports Variety wrote that The Departed will be the only advertising you will see during the premiere episode of Smith, a new show on CBS. There will be two two-minute ad segments, "offering an extended look at the pic.".

Smith premiere's on Tuesday, Sept 19th at 10PM on CBS.

Lane Garrison (aka Tweener on Prison Break) on Shooter

TVGuide.com: What kind of role do you have in Mark Wahlberg's Shooter?
Garrison: Mark Wahlberg plays a sniper, and I'm his scout. And Kate Mara (24) plays my wife. Michael Pena is in it, too, and he is my favorite actor right now. The script was great, and Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) is probably the most intense director I've worked with and the best in terms of character and every nuance.... I hope I get to work with many directors like him.

Mark back in Philly for filming!

Wahlberg, Glover to shoot 'Shooter' in PhillyBy Michael Klein
Mark Wahlberg and Danny Glover are coming back to Philly to work.

Wahlberg, star of the Philly-shot Invincible, and Glover, who filmed Beloved here with Oprah Winfrey in late 1997 and who won the 2002 Marian Anderson Award, will be here toward the end of next month to film scenes for Shooter, an action adventure now shooting in Vancouver, British Columbia.

IMDB.com describes the Antoine Fuqua-directed film: A marksman (Wahlberg) living in exile is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the president. Ultimately double-crossed and framed for the attempt, he goes on the run to track the real killer and find out who exactly set him up, and why.

Philly managed to get six days of filming, including scenes at Independence National Historical Park as well as chase scenes across town and down to the Delaware waterfront.

Mark on Letterman - Screencaps

Mark on Cold Pizza - August 24

Older videos:
Mark in the News Exclusive - Mark on ET in August
Mark in the News Exclusive - ESPY Awards
Mark in the News Exclusive - Mark on ET in July

More videos:
The Early Show
Local news video of the Philadelphia premiere
Good Morning America
AOL unscripted interview with Mark and Greg Kinnear
MovieSurfers interview
Mark on The Insider
Mark IESB interview
More Mark on ET

Jason Statham on The Brazilian Job

Any word about ‘Brazilian Job’?
It's funny a lot of people keep asking me about that, I am not sure what is happening. I would be very happy to work with Mark [Wahlberg] and Charlize [Theron] and Mos Def and Seth [Green] they were a good little group. If that comes along I will be smiling.

This movie seems to be up in the air, we may not see it until 2008 at this rate. Hopefully we will hear more news when Mark does The Departed publicity.

Mark on the Early Show - Aug 28th

Ok so Mark's actually on CBS' Early Show on Monday, the 28th according to the CBS.

Update: Watch the interview online on CBS.com

Emmy - Jeremy Piven for Best Supporting Actor

Jeremy Piven of "Entourage" was named best supporting actor in a comedy.

Interviews on ESPN - but limited

Some interviews from the ESPN Network which require you pay to access the files. :(

Jim Rome Interview

ESPN chat

If we would of known about them last week, then we could of seen/heard them for free. Thanks Leverage. :(

Invincible No. 1 with $17 million

According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, Walt Disney Co.'s true-life underdog tale "Invincible" opened at No. 1 with three-day sales of $17.0 million, in line with the studio's expectations.

[...]The presence of Wahlberg, a 35-year-old former underwear model, helped contribute to a surprisingly large number of female viewers -- about 47 percent, according to exit polling data cited by Disney.

Update: Official Numbers
1."Invincible,"Disney, $17,031,122, 2,917 locations, $5,839 average, $17,031,122, one week.
2."Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,"Sony, $8,122,642, 3,370 locations, $2,410 average, $127,806,521, four weeks.
3."Little Miss Sunshine,"Fox Searchlight, $7,371,263, 1,430 locations, $5,155 average, $22,895,257, five weeks.
4."Beerfest,"Warner Bros., $7,031,228, 2,964 locations, $2,372 average, $7,031,228, one week.
5."World Trade Center,"Paramount, $6,473,299, 3,021 locations, $2,143 average, $55,642,517, three weeks.
6."Accepted,"Universal, $6,344,475, 2,917 locations, $2,175 average, $20,986,355, two weeks.
7."Snakes On a Plane,"New Line, $6,167,366, 3,555 locations, $1,735 average, $26,319,390, two weeks.
8."Step Up,"Disney, $6,163,436, 2,647 locations, $2,328 average, $50,395,874, three weeks.
9."Idlewild,"Universal,$5,745,780, 973 locations, $5,905 average, $5,745,780, one week.
10."Barnyard: The Original Party Animals,"Paramount, $5,652,932, 2,003 locations, $2,822 average, $54,930,100, four weeks.

Jason Statham on The Brazilian Job

Now you might do "The Brazilian Job," which is a sequel to "The Italian Job." Do you think Charlize Theron should dump Mark Wahlberg in the sequel to hook up with you?

Wouldn't that be a dream come true? It's simply not fair at all that Mark got the girl the last time. We should actually start a petition. Let's call it the "Jason Should Have a Romance With Charlize in Part Two." I'll be the first to sign it.

Was Wahlberg a Mark?

The "Invincible" coverage keeps on coming...

At Wednesday night's NYC premiere of "Invincible" at ESPN Zone, star Mark Wahlberg told Tattle's Baird Jones, "Last week I had some guy in Vancouver who tried to get a key to my room claiming he was Jack Nicholson's son and that he was supposed to be staying with me for a week.

"The hotel almost gave him the key, too. They called me. It was 6:30 in the morning. I told them I did not know what they were talking about. I went downstairs to see who it was, but they had already kicked him out of the hotel.

"I had just done ["The Departed"] with Jack Nicholson. That was the first time anyone had posed as Jack Nicholson's son, but crazy s--- happens once in a while."

Mark Wahlberg Interview

The Invincible star dishes about his wildest dream and living the simple life By Amy Longsdorf and Lisa Marsh

Mark Wahlberg was so determined to score the lead role in the biopic Invincible that he lied to get it. "I said I played college football – obviously, I'd never even gone to college, never played high-school football," he says. But the 35-year-old actor rose to the challenge to portray Vince Papale, a regular guy who tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1970s and, incredibly, made the team. PEOPLE caught up with Wahlberg about fatherhood (he has two kids with model girlfriend Rhea Durham – daughter Ella Rae, who turns 3 on Sept. 2, and 5-month-old son Michael) and football injuries.

Invincible is about Vince Papale's wildest dream coming true. What's your wildest dream?
Before I made this movie, I would have given up my career to be a professional athlete. After making this movie, I like watching it on the television from my couch. It's extremely dangerous and much harder than it looks on TV. In order to make it look real, you had to get out there and do it. Vince was there every day, so I couldn't wimp out.

Did you get injured at all?
Banged up everywhere, you know, but they did a good job of piecing me back together. Whatever they had to do – ice and Ibuprofen, a little spit and glue – because obviously they wanted me back out there on the field.

There's a scene where you get slammed – that wasn't a stunt double?
No, that was me, but that particular hit actually fixed my bad back. It was like everything kind of popped back into place. But they were so worried. They ran in and everybody was dead silent. More...

Mouse makes a pass 'Invincible' preems in Gotham By Addie Morfoot

WHAT: Disney's Aug. 23 premiere of "Invincible" at Gotham's Ziegfeld, followed by an after-bash at ESPN Zone in Times Square.

EAGLES NEST: Pic is based on the true story of Philadelphia Eagles fan Vince Papale, who ended up trying out and making the NFL team. "I hadn't heard of Vince before the film," pic's star Mark Wahlberg said of his character. "So when I saw thepiece that NFL Films did on him on I thought, 'Wow they are going to let me play this guy!' It's the biggest Houdini I have pulled off in my career."

FOUR LETTER WORDS: "The only thing that you don't get to do in a Disney movie is curse, and you know what -- the movie doesn't really need it," Wahlberg said.

Pic's director Ericson Core added: "The actors were all New Yorkers and wanted to swear in the bar scenes because they thought it was appropriate. But then I ended up watching 'Rocky'' with the cast and we were amazed because there is only one swear word in the entire film. We realized you can do it without swearing. Should there be cigarettes? Should there be swearing? Probably. But I think we were fine without it."

Football film scores points with star

"Invincible" star Mark Wahlberg - the underwear model and rapper turned actor who's played in some pretty explicit scenes - is relieved to be hawking a child-friendly movie.

"I'm happy," the father of two tots told Lowdown at Wednesday's Ziegfeld Theater premiere of the Disney epic about real-life Philadelphia Eagles football hero Vince Papale. "It's a movie my kids can see - my nieces and nephews. I haven't had that. None of my nieces and nephews have seen 'Boogie Nights,' thank God! I haven't made too many PG movies."

The 35-year-old Wahlberg - who did his own body-slamming stunts - said all the punishment was worth it. "Vince is happy, I'm happy, the reviews have been good, really good, and I came out alive. I did what I said I was going to do, and I walked away."

HBO First Look "The Departed"

Thanks to Virgomoon from The Totally Unnecessary Departed board and Sylvie!

HBO First Look "The Departed"
Premiere air September 24
Running Time: 13 minutes
Genre: Drama, Crime
A sneak peek at Martin Scorsese's crime thriller about the Massachusetts police force's efforts to bring down an Irish-American crime syndicate. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon star.

ESPN interviews

The Dan Patrick Show - right click and save as

The Hot List on ESPN Broadband - limited to certain ISP. So I dont have access.

Mark interview on KIIS FM

Thanks to MySpacer Silly Marisa!

Also AOL unscripted interviews with the Mark and the cast.

Mark on GMA not the Early Show

I just woke up and I have it set on ABC. And they just said Mark is on the show not the CBS show. Sorry to the east coasters, but I'm in CA.

See it online on GMA

Video - Philly premiere

Click on the link labeled: VIDEO: Chad Pradelli reports or if you have firefox - the one that says FIREFOX VIDEO: Chad Pradelli reports

CBS - PA - Also the 2nd picture starts some NY premiere coverage

NBC 10 - PA Also check the playlist for more interviews with the cast and Papale.

Mark interview with Canada.com

You always play a bad boy. When will we see you in a romantic role, like The Notebook 2?
Well they haven’t offered me that part yet! But I’m looking for it. You know, I’ve been playing a lot of roles, especially Invincible and the movie I am shooting now where people are trying to kill me so I would like a nice romantic role.

Is Invincible just another sports movie?
Oh man, this is about anyone who has been told they couldn’t do something. This is about going out there and achieving your goals. Vince is an incredible man who did the impossible and was a huge inspiration to myself and everybody I’ve seen the movie with. Not just guys trying to make the NFL but anybody who has a dream. More...

Mark Wahlberg: Is "Invincible" by Tim Nasson

Mark lets out a some naughty curse words (F, c, s words) in this interview, so don't let your momma see this!

Los Angeles – It was thirty-five years ago, June 5th, 1971, to be exact, that Mark Wahlberg was born in the poor, working class section of Boston known as Dorchester. Wahlberg was the last of nine kids, (six boys, and three girls), his mother would give birth to – he, and his brothers Robert and Donnie are the result of his mother’s third marriage.

Life, at least the first half of it, was no picnic for Mark Wahlberg. The scrawny Irish ‘bad boy’ was just that. Bad, literally.

He was so mentally tortured and untamed that at the age of fourteen he dropped out of school and became what so many other children raised in tough, lower class environments become – criminal.

Mark Wahlberg, before he was even an adult – age eighteen – was arrested myriad times for everything from assault and violent hate crimes to drug dealing and stealing.

One judge finally had had enough of Wahlberg’s antics and sentenced the trouble making tough boy to 50 days at Deer Island Penitentiary. Wahlberg was only 16. More...

Mark at the Invincible NY premiere

Lots more at: WireImage - NY Premiere 1
Wireimage - NY premiere 2
Getty - NY Premiere

Mark on TRL - Pictures

The real E!


Pics by Associated Press' Jason DeCrow:


More pictures at Wireimage - TRL and Getty Images - TRL

I forgot to reset my recorder for daylite savings so I got Laguna Beach instead. :(

Review - Invincible by Robert Koehler

Based on the almost impossible-to-believe true story of South Philadelphia barkeep Vince Papale's bid to make the roster of his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, "Invincible" has victory on its mind -- starting with its title. The latest entry in Disney's ever-growing stable of triumphant sports movies ("The Rookie," "Glory Road"), pic nevertheless seldom feels canned or the result of a mass-production assembly line. Although Giants fans may not like reliving one of their most ignominious days, aud appeal of this PG-rated inspirer should be wide and deep, cashing in on football fever just before the NFL season opens.

The film's most obvious sports movie connection is to "Rocky," with its mythic account of another Philly underdog who never gave up. Yet thanks to rookie director (and vet lenser) Ericson Core's handling and Mark Wahlberg's and Greg Kinnear's soberly professional and firmly grounded portrayals of Papale and Dick Vermeil, respectively, little here indulges in "Rocky"-like theatrics or overkill. (The exception is a secondary narrative that tries to shoehorn a love story to limited effect.) More...

Review: Invincible By Kirk Honeycutt

Bottom line: A persuasive and enjoyable sports film for male audiences.
More...

Wahlberg makes his mark Actor portrays ex-Eagle in 'Invincible' By LAURA RANDALL

HOLLYWOOD - GONE are the days when Mark Wahlberg's life resembled an episode of "Entourage," the HBO series based on the partying escapades of the actor and his pals. Once known for his bad-boy image, the rapper-turned-actor now has two kids, a longtime girlfriend to answer to about his onscreen love scenes, and a gated 9,000-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion.

"Somebody asked me how I deal with the paparazzi. I said, 'What the f--- is the paparazzi?' They don't talk to me," Wahlberg said with a shrug. "Maybe I get arrested, I pull a Mel Gibson, then maybe I'll see some paparazzi. I don't see that happening."

In his latest film, "Invincible," which opens Friday, Wahlberg plays former Philadelphia Eagle and local hero Vince Papale. While other cast members sampled Philly's restaurants and nightclubs during last summer's two-month shoot, Wahlberg spent his down time playing golf, hanging out with his driver to soak up his Philly accent and nursing the wounds piled on him by the NFL retirees and college and arena players hired to play his teammates.

"I was banged up everywhere," he said. "But they did a good job of putting [me] back together. Some ice, some ibuprofen, a little spit and glue." More...

Mark & Greg Unscripted

Haha Greg complains that Mark mumbles! Its true he does sometimes.

And another at UGO.

Thanks to Sylvie, hmjackso at Mark's official boards and Mocha Style on MySpace.

Mark on TRL - August 23

Papale's wife grabbed Mark's butt!

"I met the real Janet the first night, she wanted to know about 'Boogie Nights' and whether it was real. And she's squeezing my butt saying I'm basically her husband. (Laughs.) She's a character. She's a real character," Wahlberg said.

Mark Interview by Richard Horgan

The first few questions are identical to the one from About.com so I didn't include them here. I'm guessing these were from the press junket.

Q: How did you find out about the project?

A: Actually David Frankel, who directed the pilot of Entourage [the hit HBO series executive produced by Wahlberg and loosely based on his life], told me there was this great script and I think at one point he was interested in directing it and said, ‘Only you can play this part. You’ve got to see this.’ Then like a year later it turned around. And then I saw a 90-second piece from NFL Films and I was just blown away by it. That was more than enough to convince me to campaign to get the role.

Q: Coach Dick Vermeil (played in the film by Greg Kinnear) is obviously a big part of this story as well. Did you contact him about it?

A: I didn’t talk to Dick much about it, although Greg went to see him. I wanted it to be kind of fresh. We had a little bit of room to play with the beginning of the relationship. Greg had some interesting things to say. They [Papale, Vermeil] were both so young, both kind of in it for the first time. I think they got really close, really quick.

Q: What was it like to shoot in Philadelphia?

A: It was cool. I couldn’t imagine shooting it in New York or Toronto. You can’t fake Philly. But I got more pressure from people in Philly than I did from Vince. Everywhere I went, people reminded me how important the story was to them and if I screwed it up I was not welcome back in Philadelphia. It was one of those things. Being at Franklin Field and a huge event and having thousands and thousands of Philly fans out there, you had to just do it. And they’re not shy. These are fans who have thrown snowballs at Santa Claus. They are as hardcore as any sporting fans I’ve ever seen.

Q: Why do you think Hollywood is so fond of inspirational sports movies?

A: I imagine that Hollywood only makes movies if they think they will work, or they have worked in the past. I know why I like [sports movies]-- I like to see people succeed. I like to see people win. Certainly makes me happy.

The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation & The Felix Organization - Send a Child to Camp Benefit

Update: Boston Globe reports its up in the air if Mark will be at this event because of his publicity schedule.

Source: Darryl McDaniels Official site - yes from Run DMC! Nice to know some people give info on other people's foundation events.

Host: The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation & The Felix Organization - Send a Child to Camp Benefit
Location: Alan Slatas' House
14 Pinkle Tink Rd., Chilmark, MA View Map
When: Saturday, August 26, 7:00pm

THE MARK WAHLBERG YOUTH FOUNDATION & THE FELIX ORGANIZATION Present the First Annual Martha’s Vineyard “PILLOW FIGHT Send a Child to Camp Benefit”.

Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard: On Saturday, August 26th, THE MARK WAHLBERG YOUTH FOUNDATION, Making A Difference in the Lives of underprivileged and foster children, and THE FELIX ORGANIZATION, Adoptees for Children, will host the first Annual “Pillow Fight: Send a Child to Camp Benefit” to raise money for their joint cause of “Helping foster and underprivileged children find the nurturing and support they need to survive and succeed.”

The “Pillow Fight: Send a Child to Camp Benefit” will take place at the home of longtime supporter, Alan Slatas who has graciously donated the use of his home for this special evening. The night, hosted by Patty Ross, begins at 7:30pm, and will feature musical performances by Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels from Run DMC and Jennifer Clarke, performances by Lenny Clarke and Sue Costello, Wine and Cuisine Tastings by some of Martha’s Vineyard’s best chefs, Auction Items, and a featured fundraising celebrity "Pillow Fight", where guests can place their bids and join in the fight to send a kid to camp. All proceeds from the celebrity refereed “Pillow Fight” go to the “Send A Child to Camp Benefit”.

Other friends and supporters of the “Pillow Fight: Send a Child to Camp Benefit” include THE FELIX ORGANIZATION founders and adoptees; Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels from Run DMC, Sheila Jaffe, Casting Director of ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Entourage’, founding members; Lorraine Bracco, Penny Marshall, and special honoree Mark Wahlberg who will be recognized at the “Pillow Fight: Send a Child to Camp Benefit” for his dedication and commitment to helping our youth.

Tickets in support of this event are $100 per person and are now available online at https://www.markwahlbergyouthfoundation.com/donate2.asp?notes= All donations are fully tax deductible and can be made out to THE MARK WAHLBERG YOUTH FOUNDATION: Memo to “Pillow Fight”. C/O Cortina Business Management, P.O. Box 610287 Newton , MA 02461. More...

Celebration for Kids - Dec 2

Thanks to Erin at RobertWahlberg.com! Mark & Donnie are going to be guests at the 4th Annual Holiday Celebration for Kids at the Seaport World Trade Center.

Radio Interview with Mark

Looks like Mark did some interviews last week including this radio interview. Lucky for us, 107.9 has the file online.

Mark Wahlberg Talks About the Football Movie, Invincible By Rebecca Murray

It's taken 30 years to make its way to the big screen but finally the Cinderella story of ex-teacher/bartender Vince Papale's triumph in the world of professional football comes to life on the big screen in Invincible. Papale captured the attention of Philadelphia Eagles fans when he made it onto the team after Coach Dick Vermeil held open tryouts. The film version stars Mark Wahlberg as the lifelong football fan who just wanted his hometeam to play with heart - and maybe win a few games.

Getting Physically Prepared for Invincible: “Well, actually I did a movie before that that I finished days before where I was asked to gain a lot of weight for that one," said Wahlberg. "I came into camp a little overweight and they were a little worried, but I just started running.

Mostly running…I didn’t really lift weights. I had lifted weights to put on weight for the other film. It was more about trimming down and looking like a wide receiver, and that’s what I look like.”

After spending a lot of time running, Wahlberg significantly decreased his 40 yard dash time. “I started out at a 5.3 overweight and got down to a 4.7, but I haven’t run since. He had me doing so much running and jogging that literally I just went home and sat down. I didn’t go to the gym for like five months. I had to get ready to get back to work for the next movie, the James Gray movie [We Own the Night].”

The football action in Invincible is convincing and Wahlberg says he actually took the hits. “Yeah, unfortunately. It wasn’t as bad as it looks. Everything was bruised and banged up. The bigger hits in the movie were actually the ones that didn’t hurt as much. A lot of clean hits. There were a couple of days where I wanted to kind of quit or tell them to take it easy. But I came in saying I wanted to be one of the guys trying to make the team like Vince was, so I had to earn the respect of the real football players and just tough it out.” More...

5 Questions with Mark Wahlberg

Portraying a football pro in a feel-good sports movie, Mark Wahlberg says, was a childhood dream come true. But that said, he never wants to do it again. "All I ever wanted was to be a professional athlete," says Wahlberg, who stars as '70s Philadelphia Eagles hero Vince Papale in Invincible, which opens Friday. "Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, hockey or boxing, that didn't matter." But getting on the field alongside former pros was an eye-opening, bone-crunching experience. "It felt like an Indy Car racetrack," he says. "That's how fast the pace of play is -- and how powerful the hits are." Now, Wahlberg adds, "The only sport I want to play is golf!"

Are you a football fan? Huge fan.

I love the Patriots. I was dying with them for a long time. We've been living good the last few years.

Is it sacrilege for a Patriots fan to portray an Eagle? The Super Bowl before we started the movie, the Patriots played the Eagles and beat them. So Philly fans freaked a little at first. But they knew how committed I was to doing Vince justice and making it as real as possible.

You got to know Papale. What impresses you most about him? He's a guy who played every single second for the Eagles. He wasn't playing for himself. He was just a huge Eagles fan who had an opportunity to be on the field and to help them win. But more than that, I admire Vince for the kind of person he is, for the kind of family man he is. He inspires me to be a better person.

Were you a stickler for making the sports look genuine? Yeah. Being a fan, I know how a good sports movie can be ruined by a guy who doesn't look believable in the part. How many guys have you seen in sports movies who can't throw a ball? So I had to do what Vince did: sacrifice my body every play. And surprisingly enough, the biggest hits hurt the least.

Really? Why's that? Because they were the most clean. Actually, one fixed a bad back. I mean, I got rocked. But it straightened everything out. They thought the hit was so bad they let me off for the rest of the day -- and I went and played golf.

Takin' on the hits By Hugh Hart

Mark Wahlberg didn't take the easy way out to play Eagle Vince Papale in "Invincible." Both men are in town for this week's premiere.

Maybe Mark Wahlberg is a glutton for punishment.

Or maybe he's simply an actor who approaches his bone-jolting roles with Method-actor intensity.

Or maybe he's a little of both.

Making Invincible in Philadelphia last summer, Wahlberg took nearly all of his own hits at Franklin Field as he re-created Vince Papale's bruising rookie season with the Eagles under Dick Vermeil in 1976.

And last week, speaking from a trailer in Vancouver, Canada, where he's filming his new thriller The Shooter, Wahlberg wearily described the previous day's activities.

"I got shot twice, jumped out a window, ran to a car, and drove it off a bridge into the river, where I held onto a rope and got dragged by a barge going upstream. I told the director, who was about 50 yards away, 'Listen, I think this water's contaminated.' He goes 'That's why you get paid the big bucks,' and shut the walkie-talkie off," Wahlberg said, laughing.

"I got to find me a nice little talky movie like Bridges of Madison County, or something like that." More...

Tru Grid Mark Wahlberg relishes chance to fly like one hell of an Eagle By BRUCE KIRKLAND

LOS ANGELES -- The sports movie Invincible tells the Vince Papale story. Papale is a former Philadelphia bartender who, despite being unscouted, unheralded, unlikely and ridiculously overaged at 30, made the roster of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first year that Dick Vermeil took over the failing team. Papale was signed out of an open tryout that had attracted thousands of losers and wannabes.

It was a stunt, a gimmick. But Papale made it, played three years in the National Football League in the late 1970s and retired as a hometown hero.

He is still a Philadelphia sports legend and now he is played by Mark Wahlberg in the inspirational biopic.

"It's a BIG deal," Wahlberg says of playing a real person, especially one who served as a consultant to director Ericson Core on the film. "The only other time I experienced that was with The Perfect Storm (in which he played one of the doomed fishermen caught at sea), and it was an extremely sensitive subject with the tragic loss of all those guys.

"But, with this, Vince was just so happy to get the movie made, I swear to God it didn't matter if Jackie Chan was playing the role." More...

Jim Mora of the Falcons on Mark in Invincible

Jim Mora gave the Falcons a day off last week. The team watched a private screening of Invincible, the story of Eagles wide receiver Vince Papale, starring Mark Wahlberg. Said Mora: "Sometimes, when actors run, they don't look athletic. Marky Mark looked athletic. I saw World Trade Center, and they showed Nicolas Cage running. He wouldn't have pulled off Vince Papale, but Marky Mark did."

Mark on ET - August 15

Mark talks about Ella and Invincible last week on ET.



Older videos:
Mark in the News Exclusive - ESPY Awards
Mark in the News Exclusive - Mark on ET in July
MovieSurfers interview
Mark on The Insider
Mark IESB interview
More Mark on ET

Mark's un-Disney kiss in Invincible!

Here's a little bit of behind-the-scenes trivia that's sure to set tongues a-wagging.

That "Invincible" screen kiss between gridiron hopeful Vince Papale (played by Mark Wahlberg) and bartender Janet Cantwell (Elizabeth Banks)? Pretty spicy for a family sports-themed film, no?

"But it was a very Disney kiss," says Wahlberg. "There was no tongue."

Well, maybe not in what appears on screen. But as it turns out, the kiss, as filmed, was a bit spicier, says "Invincible" director Ericson Core.

"I shot that on the street in one shot with zero coverage, because with great actors you can do that," says Core. "So we did a few takes, found the one we wanted, and we all went home."

OK, so cut to the first test screening where studio executives inform Core that the Wahlberg/Banks buss, as depicted, "is not a Disney kiss." Which presents a bit of a problem, since the scene is in the can and there is no more-chaste version to replace it.

"So we actually did some (computer-generated) work to de-tongue the shot," says Core. "There was a little bit of tongue that has since been removed technologically. You could hear it in the soundtrack and all the rest. We literally had to change that slightly to make it a little more Disney."

Mark on The Insider video

Thanks to Kaz!

Jacksonville Jaguars' Linebacker Nick Greisen on Mark & Invincible

“I really enjoyed it,” Linebacker Nick Greisen said. “Mark Wahlberg did a great job. The whole theme of the movie was learning about the game of football and how it really is about heart, and not about who you are and what you can do on the field, but what you have inside of you that can push you.”

Mark on We Own the Night

You might want to take one last look at Mark Wahlberg's mug when "Invincible" hits theaters next week, because in an upcoming role, he won't be able to rely on his leading-man good looks. "I get shot in the face at point-blank range in front of my house on Thanksgiving," the actor revealed while discussing "We Own the Night," a crime drama due in theaters next year. "It's more like 'The Godfather' than 'The Warriors,' " is how he described the recently wrapped flick about gun-toting brothers caught up with the Russian mafia. "I produced the film with James Gray, who directed me in 'The Yards,' and Joaquin Phoenix [is in it], and Robert Duvall plays my father, which is a dream come true to work with him," Wahlberg said. "[Gray] wrote a part for me, and whatever he wants me to do, I'm there." The cast also features Eva Mendes, and Wahlberg promised a flick that will leave viewers affected emotionally. "It's got a lot more emotion to it than violence." ...

Mark's first print interview - 'Invincible' man by Angela Dawson

HOLLYWOOD - Like a lot of red-blooded Americans, Mark Wahlberg aspired to play pro football as a kid. But lacking the resources and self-discipline (his history of juvenile delinquency is well documented), that was not the course his life would take.

When the Dorchester, Mass., native did finally turn his life around, he became a successful rapper before turning to acting and producing. But his childhood dream of playing for the NFL lingered in the back of his mind. So when he got the opportunity to play Vince Papale, a Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver in the biographical drama "Invincible," he leaped at the chance.

"Invincible" tells the Cinderella story of Papale, a South Philadelphia native and rabid Eagles fan who was struggling to make ends meet. In 1976, he got a rare opportunity to try out for the NFL team at the seasoned age of 30. Incredibly, he made the cut thanks to the vision of new head coach Dick Vermeil. More...

The Departed poster

Click to see the full size version.

World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' INVINCIBLE on August 23rd in New York City

WHO: From the film - Mark Wahlberg, Elizabeth Banks, Vince Papale, director Ericson Core and producers Gordon Gray and Mark Ciardi, the producing team that brought you THE ROOKIE and MIRACLE

WHAT: Walt Disney Pictures' World Premiere of INVINCIBLE. From the studio that brought you "The Rookie" and "Remember The Titans" comes INVINCIBLE, inspired by the true story of Vince Papale (MARK WAHLBERG), a man with nothing to lose who ignored the staggering odds and made his dream come true. When the coach (GREG KINNEAR) of Papale's beloved hometown football team hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time -- no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found this way. Certainly no one like Papale -- a down-on-his-luck, 30 year-old, substitute teacher and part-time bartender who never even played college football. But against these odds, Papale made the team and soon found himself living every fan's fantasy -- moving from his cheap seats in the upper deck to standing on the field as a professional football player.
Check out INVINCIBLE at http://www.invincible.movies.com

WHEN: Wednesday, August 23
Press Arrivals: 5:15 PM
Talent Arrivals: 6:00 PM
Screening: 7:00 PM

WHERE: Ziegfeld Theater
141 West 54th St
(between 6th and 7th Ave)

Mark on ET Aug 15th

Sorry didn't get notice in time. He talked about how Ella was on the set of Invincible and played with Kinnear's little girl. I did manage to catch the repeat so keep checking back. ;)

Philadelphia Premiere of Invincible

Philadelphia Eagles screening to benefit Eagles Youth Partnership and City Year

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Eagles fans will take a walk on the red carpet and attend a special advance screening of Walt Disney Pictures Invincible, inspired by the true story of Eagles fan Vince Papale whose dream to fly as an Eagle came true when he answered an open call by Eagles coach Dick Vermeil to try out for the team in 1976. Invincible opens in theaters on August 25.

Film stars Mark Wahlberg and Elizabeth Banks, director Ericson Core, producers Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray (Miracle, The Rookie), and former Eagle Vince Papale will be at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, on Thursday evening, August 24, at 8 p.m. Also joining the event will be Eagles president Joe Banner and Philadelphia Film Office's executive director Sharon Pinkenson. Following the screening, a VIP reception will be held at Lucky Strike, 1336 Chestnut Street.

A limited number of tickets to the event sold for $125 and invitations were extended to Eagles season ticket holders, corporate partners and to the public via the Eagles web site. All proceeds for the event will benefit Eagles Youth Partnership and City Year.

WHO: Mark Wahlberg, Elizabeth Banks, Ericson Core, Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray, Vince Papale, Joe Banner, Sharon Pinkenson, Eagles alumni

WHAT: Red Carpet screening of Disney's Invincible
WHEN: Thursday, August 24, at 8 p.m. (VIP Reception to follow)
WHERE: Film screening: Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street
VIP Reception: Lucky Strike, 1336 Chestnut Street

- PHOTO AND FEATURE OPPORTUNITY -

Mark on Aquaman

The IESB asked Wahlberg if there was any truth to these rumors and if there was a possibility of seeing him don the classic green and orange costume, to which he responded, “no, I don’t think so.”

Although, he does acknowledge there has been talk from multiple sources he says he would be more interested in producing such a project rather than star in it.

So who would be his first choice to star as the underwater superhero? Why Adrian Grenier of course who portrays Vincent Chase in Entourage who is portraying the Aquaman in the fictional feature film of the storyline. Confused? He isn't, he says Adrian is already Aquaman for him and he would be his choice.

So where do we stand? It’s all talk right now, but we may see something in the future, but Wahlberg will not be starring perhaps behind the camera instead and his first choice, well his only choice actually, would be Vince, Adrian Grenier, the star of Entourage.

MovieSurfers interview with Mark and Vince

Quicktime high bandwidth or Quicktime low bandwidth

Windows Media high bandwidth or Windows Media low bandwidth

New exclusive pictures/clips from Invincible

More 'exclusive' pics from Invincible:
MovieWeb
All Movie Photo
CHUD

'Exclusive' Clips
UGO - playing football with friends in the parking lot
MSN - Tryouts (Search under "invincible" if you don't see it on the playlist)
Movies Yahoo - Coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) gives the Philadelphia Eagles a pep talk before their game vs. the Giants

Invincible NY Premiere date

Update: Efactor confirmed it is on the 23rd at the Zigfield theater in NYC,

According to the Philadelphia Daily News' story about Papale, the New York premiere of Invincible is August 23rd.

More information from Morning Call: As far as casting, Papale said he is happy with decision to have Wahlberg play him.

''I would have liked to see the 'X-Men' guy, Hugh Jackman, play me, because he is athletic and he's pretty tall, about 6-foot-5,'' said Papale, responding to a question. ''But I was really happy with Mark. Mark and I hit it off right away. He's from South Boston and I grew up in South Philly, so we both came from rough backgrounds. He told me he'd play the role with integrity and passion and enthusiasm and that he'd make me proud. And he did.''

After the film's premiere in New York on Aug. 23, the two are going on a five-city tour, sponsored by Papale's company, Sallie Mae, which lends money to students for college tuition, urging high school students to stay in school. Papale does motivational speaking for the company. ''We're telling them that the more you learn, the more you earn, urging kids to stay in school,'' says Papale, who was the first person in his family to attend college.

Promotional ads urging students to stay in school, featuring both men, will air before screenings of ''Invincible.''

Marks Tv Appearances per E-Factor

EFactor:

for right now, we are doing Letterman on the 24th, TRL on the 23rd, CBS morning show on the 25th and a bunch of ESPN stuff, like cold pizza and lots more on the 23rd 24th and 25th.... OK well go see the movie, I am sure you will love it.... Always... E

The Sallie Mae Fund’s “Hold Fast to Dreams” Tour details

This looks to be a private event, so only if your school was involved and if someone wins the scholarship will you see Mark. Don't ask me which school's as it's supposed to be private and I really have no clue.

What is the connection between The Sallie Mae Fund and the Disney movie “Invincible”?

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, is a leading foundation focused on helping lowincome and minority students achieve their college dreams.

The Disney movie, “Invincible,” portrays the true story of Vincent Papale, currently a Sallie Mae Fund representative, who tried out for and made the Philadelphia Eagles team in 1976 at the age of 30. He was part of the Eagles comeback which led to a Super Bowl victory under Coach Vermeil.

“Invincible” hits theatres August 25.

What is The Sallie Mae Fund’s “Hold Fast to Dreams” Tour?
The Sallie Mae Fund has set up a five-city tour to motivate disadvantaged students to hold fast to their dreams. The tour will honor Mr. Papale by helping kids see that a student from a modest background could be the “first in his family” to attend college and then go on to attain both his sports dream and a business career. Mr. Papale’s story is about believing in oneself, working hard, loving life and finding mentors.

The Fund will visit high schools in five cities. Mr. Papale will speak to the student body in a 30-minute format and present one senior with a “Hold Fast to Your Dreams” $10,000 college scholarship. The school will select the student based on high economic need, college potential and personal traits that demonstrate overcoming the odds. The scholarship, from The Sallie Mae Fund, can be used at any accredited two- or four-year higher education institution.

Mark Wahlberg, who portrays Mr. Papale on screen, has agreed to appear in a televised public service announcement encouraging young people to achieve their dreams through a college education.

Tour Dates/Locations:
September 15 Philadelphia, PA
September 21 Newark, NJ
September 25 Orlando, FL
October 2 St. Louis, MO
October 4 Los Angeles, CA

Mark on David Letterman - Aug 24th

Thanks to Sylvie at RobertWahlberg.com!

Another picture of Mark in the Departed

Thanks to Sylvie at RobertWahlberg.com and Will from The Totally Unnecessary Departed Board

New clip/pictures from Invincible

The new clip from The Movie Reporter comes in Windows Media, Quicktime and Flash versions

And a few more new pictures from ComingSoon.net and another new clip fromIGN.

The Departed official site is launched!

Thanks to Sylvie at RobertWahlberg.com and Costello from The Totally Unnecessary Departed Board

Now updated with pictures!!

NFL Steelers coach Bill Cowher on Invincible

"It was one of the better movies I have seen, when you talk about the depiction of the National Football League," said Cowher. "It was a great story about Vince Papale. I can relate to it a little bit because he and I got cut in the same roster cutdown, in 1979.

"I thought it was a very inspiring move, and I encouraged a lot of the players to see it when they do get some free time, because I think it gives you a great appreciation for the game of football, the respect for where it started and what it means to the people."

The Departed maybe at Rome Film Festival?

Thanks to Sylvie at RobertWahlberg.com and Will from The Totally Unnecessary Departed Board

Giuseppe Tornatore's La Sconosciuta and Martin Scorsese's The Departed could be among the titles that will screen at the first edition of the Rome Film Festival (Oct 13-21). According to industry gossip - but without any confirmation from Rome organisers - titles that could be heading to Rome also include Ridley Scott's A Good Year, Steven Zaillian’s All The King's Men with Jude Law and Sean Penn and Mira Nair's The Namesake. On the Italian front, in addition to La Sconosciuta, Rome could be a shoo-in for Paolo Virzi's comedy N, which stars Daniel Auteuil and Monica Bellucci. "We are looking for big European premieres - although world premieres are even better. But we are also focusing on films from directors who will get an international boost from the festival," said Rome director Giorgio Gosetti. Gosetti admits convincing producers to give a film to a new festival hasn't always been an easy ride. But he says that Rome's cinema heritage means most producers and sellers have welcomed the festival with open arms. "They were often surprised that it was only the first edition," he said. "And a lot of directors and producers are really happy to support a festival that is just starting." The Rome Film Festival will unveil its full line-up in September.

More Invincible clips from ESPN

Thanks to Sylvie, ESPN has a trvia contest to win a trip to ESPN headquartes in CT. Also on the page is a note that said: Watch 5 scenes from the movie!

See Vince Papale advance from playing streetball to open tryouts...to training camp...to regular season games.

Coming Soon!

Update: ESPN posted the 5 clips.

New Mark pic from Departed

Thanks to Sylvie who alerted us that Will on The Totally Unnecessary Departed Board found this picture of Mark.

ESPN Chat transcript - April 23/24

Not sure when this was, but it was during the NFL draft. A live chat finally in what 5 years (I think the last one was an AOL one for POTA) and we knew nothing about it. Great going you know who. Anyway lucky for you I found it! :)

Buzzmaster: Mark Wahlberg is here!
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billy bob: Mark, what was your favorite thing about Franklin Field when you were filming there last summer?

Mark Wahlberg: I liked being on the field but I didn't like being hit. It was hot on the field, 130 some days, but it was a dream come true to be out there.
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jefferson: mark, did the Texans make the biggest mistake in sports history?

Mark Wahlberg: I think passing on Vince Young was the biggest mistake the Texans and Saints made.
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Martin : Mark what is your role in the movie? Do you play Vince?

Mark Wahlberg: Yes I do. More...

Papale on Invincible and Mark - #2

Playing the role of Papale is actor Mark Wahlberg." He plays me better than I do," quips Papale, who has become a close friend of the famous actor. Greg Kinnear will portray Dick Vermeil. With characteristic passion, the Cherry Hill man immersed himself completely in the film project. "I was involved from script to wardrobe to every last detail," he says. "Mark Wahlberg told me that he would make me proud and make me cry – and he's done both."

Mark on the ESPY Awards

Mark on ET - July 25

Short Mark interview on Disney's Movie Surfers

It airs between shows so no real schedule for this one. Lucky if you love the Disney channel.

Edit to add cap by Sylvie. Video coming soon. ;)

Papale on Invincible and Mark

Papale was involved in the movie every step of the way and said it has "great accuracy."

Papale admitted there are two incidents in the movie he wished could have been done differently, but he understands that some creative license is necessary. In fact, there were some episodes in his life that Papale said could not be used in "Invincible" or that had to be changed because they had already been portrayed in other movies -- after he had lived them.

In the movie, his buddies bug a reluctant Papale into trying out for the Eagles team. Papale said that is partly true.

"I always wanted to do it. My friends did goad me but I wanted to keep it quiet, I didn't want to be perceived as a buffoon," Papale said.

[...]

Papale said he had a ball during the production of "Invincible" and he made some lifelong friends in Mark Wahlberg who plays Papale and Greg Kinnear who plays Vermeil.

"Wahlberg and I were slobbering all over each other. With Kinnear there was that space, but after the movie I found he was the funniest man in America," Papale gushed.

[...]

Papale said the film also helps him get the word out about cancer, the student loan program Sallie Mae and his favorite topic -- education. In fact, he and Wahlberg have taped a public service announcement about the importance of education.