Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg Collaborate on New Film and Discuss the Future of Hollywood in Las Vegas
Mel Gibson, the renowned actor and director, has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Las Vegas to work on future film projects. Gibson, who recently directed Mark Wahlberg in the thriller "Flight Risk," praised Wahlberg’s work ethic and the overall production experience in Las Vegas. “Mark Wahlberg is an industrious guy and great to work with. The production experience in Vegas was top-notch,” Gibson shared in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He also highlighted his eagerness to come back to the city for more big-budget films, saying, “I am certain Vegas will accommodate Mark in a big way.”
Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg’s Professional Relationship
Gibson and Wahlberg have a long-standing professional relationship, having previously collaborated on films like "Father Stu" (2022) and "Daddy’s Home 2" (2017). In both projects, Gibson played the role of Wahlberg’s father, showcasing their on-screen dynamic. Their partnership extends beyond acting, as Gibson has now directed Wahlberg in "Flight Risk," further solidifying their creative chemistry.
Gibson’s Appointment as a Special Ambassador to Hollywood
In January, Gibson was named one of three Hollywood icons—alongside Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone—appointed by President Trump as special ambassadors to Hollywood. The purpose of this role, as stated by Trump, is to bring Hollywood “BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!” by addressing the industry’s decline in recent years. Gibson expressed his willingness to serve in this capacity, telling Sean Hannity, “I’m ready, willing, and able to be of service in any way I can.”
Challenges Facing California’s Film Industry
Gibson also spoke about the challenges currently facing California’s film industry, particularly the lack of competitiveness due to tax incentives and regulations. He shared a striking example: “I had to shoot a film for one day in L.A., and it was cheaper for me to take the whole crew and fly them to Europe and shoot for three days, lodge them, fly them, everything, than it was to shoot one day just down the road.” Gibson pointed out that even former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to address these issues years ago but faced significant obstacles.
Mark Wahlberg’s Move to Nevada and Vision for “Hollywood 2.0”
While Gibson remains in California, Wahlberg has relocated his family to Nevada, a state he believes can become the new hub for the film industry. Wahlberg is a key supporter of Nevada bill 238, which aims to establish a movie studio in Summerlin, Nevada, in partnership with major studios like Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. The project promises to create 10,000 jobs with an average salary of $100,000, focusing on training locals and attracting talent from across the country. Wahlberg envisions Nevada as “Hollywood 2.0,” a more cost-effective and regulation-friendly alternative to California.
The Future of Film Production and Gibson’s Call to Action
Gibson, while acknowledging the challenges in California, remains hopeful about the future of the film industry. He emphasized the need for Los Angeles to be more competitive and retain talent, urging Mayor Karen Bass to “keep the kids on the farm” and address the prohibitive regulations driving production elsewhere. Meanwhile, Wahlberg’s efforts in Nevada could pave the way for a new era of film production outside of California. With Gibson, Voight, and Stallone working together as ambassadors, the trio aims to revitalize Hollywood’s global influence and bring back its former glory.
