GEORGE TOWN: Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg is trading the bright lights of Los Angeles for the streets of Penang as filming gets under way on his latest movie.
The 54-year-old actor is in the state to shoot scenes for Netflix crime thriller “The Big Fix”, with production expected to continue for about two weeks.
Penang Global Tourism welcomed Wahlberg and the production team in a Facebook post, saying the state’s blend of heritage, culture and modern attractions continued to appeal to international filmmakers.
“The cameras are rolling in Penang. We are delighted to welcome Mark Wahlberg and the production team as they bring their latest production to locations across Penang,” the state tourism bureau said.
“From the timeless charm of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site to the state’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes, Penang offers a distinctive setting that continues to captivate filmmakers from around the world.”
Penang Island City Council mayor A Rajendran said filming began last Friday and would take place at locations including Lorong Kulit, City Stadium, Batu Kawan Stadium and Macallum Field.
The production is being coordinated locally by Biscuit Films.
Inspired by a true story, “The Big Fix” centres on a former Interpol officer working within Fifa who uncovers an international football match-fixing operation.
Wahlberg stars alongside British actor Riz Ahmed, while the cast also includes Singapore’s Chin Han, Indian actor Vipin Sharma, and Malaysian actress Nuha Jes Izman.
A former rapper who went on to become one of Hollywood’s most recognisable action stars, Wahlberg’s film credits include “The Fighter”, “Ted”, “Lone Survivor”, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and “Uncharted”.
He received an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor for his performance in “The Departed”.
