Penang has become the latest Malaysian destination to feature in a major Hollywood production, with Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg spotted filming scenes for his upcoming Netflix movie, The Big Fix.
Wahlberg is in Penang for a two-week filming shoot The story follows a former Interpol officer investigating a global football match-fixing syndicate, which brings his character to various international locations. The production is primarily filming in Sydney, with Penang serving as part of its international setting.
Wahlberg has lit up the Malaysian social media sphere with posts showing the star walking through a bazaar and arriving at a shop in a humble locally-made car. Some clips showed the 55-year-old walking through a market, waving to onlookers and visiting one of the country’s ubiquitous Indian Muslim food stalls.
Netizens were also impressed with the actor’s down-to-earth presence. Shopkeepers were urged to put up banners declaring “Mark Wahlberg was here”, while fans proposed Penang food delights for him to try out before he leaves the island.
Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and National Film Development Corporation Malaysia chairman Hans Isaac also visited the filming location to meet Wahlberg and other cast members.
The crime thriller also stars British actor Riz Ahmed, Singaporean actor Chin Han, Indian actor Vipin Sharma and US-based Malaysian actress Nuha Jes Izman.
The production has been utilising multiple locations across Penang, including George Town such as the Jawi Peranakan Mansion, the Blue Mansion Hotel, Macallum Field, the Penang City Stadium, and the Batu Kawan Stadium.
Wahlberg has starred in many movies including The Transformers’ franchise, The Departed, The Italian Job, Shooter, The Gathering Storm, Ted and many more
“The Big Fix” does not yet have a confirmed release date. Given the current production timeline, a mid-to-late 2027 arrival on Netflix is the most probable window.
Southeast Asia as filming locations
Southeast Asia’s blockbuster traffic has more often flowed through Thailand where an attractive rebate scheme has drawn several foreign productions, including The White Lotus and Jurassic World Rebirth as well as Leonardo di Caprio’s The Beach.
Anna & The King which starred Jodie Foster and Chow Yun Fatt was also filmed in Penang. Perhaps the highest profile of all is Crazy Rich Asian which was filmed in Penang, Langkawi Island, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore for its Asian scenes.
Malaysia is also attracting international studios by offering a 30 per cent incentive on filming costs.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the production marked another milestone for Penang’s tourism and creative economy. “A production of this calibre brings invaluable international exposure to Penang through one of the world’s largest streaming platforms,” he said.
