Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen star opposite each other in By Any Means, a new crime thriller out September 3, inspired by true events. Set in 1966, the film follows an FBI investigation into the murder of civil rights activist Vernon Dahmer.
With local law enforcement compromised by the Ku Klux Klan, the case had stalled, forcing investigators to take an unconventional approach, enlisting the help of notorious mobster Greg Scarpa. Directed by Elegance Bratton, Wahlberg stars as the real-life Scarpa and Abdul-Mateen II as Wayne Strider, a conflicted Black FBI agent and composite character.
© GettyAt the LA premiere, HOLA! had the chance to talk to the stars. For Wahlberg, the phrase “By any means” is about more than the movie he’s promoting. It is a philosophy he says he tries to live by every day. “I’m still trying to make it happen by any means every single day,” Wahlberg said when I asked if there was ever a moment in his life when he felt he had truly lived out the phrase.
That mindset has become closely tied to the way he approaches both his career and his life outside of Hollywood. “I know that in order for me to do the things that I am kind of really supposed to be doing with my life, both not only professionally, but personally and what I’m doing with the blessings that have been bestowed upon me, I got to go out there and work every day,” he explained
“I got to keep spreading the word about what hard work and dedication and faith mean and how you share that with people and help people, you know, challenge people to be the best versions of themselves,” the 55-year-old continued.
That sense of responsibility also connects to one of the complicated themes in By Any Means – service. When asked who or what he considers himself to be in service to, Wahlberg’s answer was immediate. “To the Lord. To the Lord.”
© GettyHe went on to explain that his faith is closely connected to how he views the opportunities he has been given. “I know I’ve got a big responsibility with all these blessings that have been bestowed upon me,” he said. “I’ve got to make sure that I’m making a real impact.”
“I pray all the time for guidance on how he wants me to utilize the talents and gifts that he’s given me to serve others, to serve him. And, you know, that’s not something that I take lightly,” Wahlberg continued.
© GettyFor Abdul-Mateen, working with Wahlberg brought unforgettable memories. When asked about working together, he recalled the time they spent together between takes, as well as the preparation that began before production even started.
“Really, you know, it was those times in the cars. There were the moments in between takes,” Abdul-Mateen II said. “You know, it was the Zoom call that I had even before we started the project.”
According to the actor, Wahlberg’s commitment to the project was apparent from the beginning. “Mark was so dialed in. He set a really great example of how to prepare and how to be on set,” he said.
But the relationship between the two actors wasn’t all business. Abdul-Mateen II said they found plenty of opportunities to have fun during production and even while promoting the movie.
We just really had a good time,” he said. “Even through the press run, you know, we’re going and playing baseball and basketball and, you know, being silly. And it was a really good time working with them.”
© GEttyWhen it came time to define what “By any means” means to him, Abdul-Mateen II kept his answer simple. “By any means – it’s hard work, it’s dedication, it’s focus, and it’s doing whatever you’ve got to do to get the job done.”
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