Mark Wahlberg Celebrates “Play Dirty” Premiere with His Entire Family, Reflecting on a New Chapter of Shared Cinematic Experiences

Mark Wahlberg’s Family Joins Him for ‘Play Dirty’ World Premiere in NYC

The actor, 54, brought wife Rhea Durham and their four children to the SVA Theater in New York City, marking a significant milestone as his kids now embrace his more intense roles.

New York City — Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg brought a full house to the world premiere of his new crime drama, Play Dirty, held at the SVA Theater in New York City on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The 54-year-old actor was joined by his wife, Rhea Durham, 47, and their four children: Ella Rae, 22, Michael, 19, Brendan Joseph, 17, and Grace Margaret, 15. The family’s unified presence on the red carpet underscored a new, shared appreciation for Wahlberg’s diverse filmography.

Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the event, Wahlberg shared a humorous yet heartfelt perspective on his children’s evolving viewership. “Now, they love seeing dad swearing, kicking ass — all the things that they couldn’t see when they were kids,” he remarked. He recounted a recent family moment where they watched the movie together in Paris, during which he was filming Family Plan 2. “They love this movie,” he added, highlighting their newfound enjoyment of his more mature roles, which were previously off-limits.

Family Fashion Statements on the Red Carpet

For the high-profile evening, the Wahlberg family exuded individual style. Mark Wahlberg opted for a casual yet refined look, donning a charcoal crew neck paired with khaki pants. His wife, Rhea Durham, graced the red carpet in a sophisticated black floor-length strapless gown, elegantly accessorized with double necklaces. Their children also made distinct fashion statements: Ella chose a vibrant magenta floor-length silk gown, while her younger sister Grace sported a chic black knee-length dress complemented by white sneakers. Brendan kept his attire relaxed in a grey henley shirt and dark wash denim, and Michael presented a polished look in navy pants, a pale blue shirt, a brown belt, and dress shoes.

Cherished Family Time Amidst Busy Schedules

Amidst his demanding career, Wahlberg cherishes these family gatherings. “I’m so excited that all of my kids [are here], because my daughter’s been away at school, everybody’s kind of doing their own thing at this age,” he expressed. “I really want to just spend time with them.” The premiere served as a precious opportunity for the entire family to reconnect, a sentiment particularly strong after Wahlberg’s taxing production schedule for Play Dirty in Australia, a shoot he described as “a difficult shoot a long time away from home.” Just a day prior, on Tuesday, September 23, Rhea Durham shared an Instagram post featuring the family, including Michael’s girlfriend, visiting Wahlberg on a set in a Boston classroom, further illustrating their commitment to supporting him.

About ‘Play Dirty’

Play Dirty is an intense crime drama based on the acclaimed “Parker” series of novels by Donald E. Westlake, who wrote under the pen name Richard Stark. The film centers on a ruthless thief and his expert crew who stumble upon the heist of a lifetime. Wahlberg leads an impressive cast, starring alongside talents such as LaKeith Stanfield, Rosa Salazar, Tony Shaloub, and Keegan-Michael Key, promising a compelling cinematic experience.

Release Date

Fans eagerly anticipating Wahlberg’s latest action-packed endeavor won’t have to wait long. Play Dirty is set to make its worldwide debut on Amazon Prime Video on October 1. The actor, who confidently stated, “the action stuff is easy… I’m not worried about doing my own stunts,” emphasized his focus on “bringing this character to life,” a testament to his dedication to his craft and the evolving connection he now shares with his family through his work.