PENANG has long been a magnet for filmmakers drawn to its heritage streets and cinematic charm, but few sightings have caused as much of a stir as this one.
Over the weekend, videos began circulating of a familiar Hollywood face stepping out of a car and walking into a shop on a Penang street, sending social media into a frenzy.
Was Mark Wahlberg really spotted filming in Penang?
Verdict:
TRUE
Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg was spotted filming scenes in Penang on Saturday, with the shoot believed to be part of Netflix's upcoming movie The Big Fix.
Based on videos uploaded across social media platforms by members of the public, Wahlberg was seen wearing a dark green long-sleeved shirt and jeans as he stepped out of a car before walking into a shop.
The short clips quickly went viral online, with netizens expressing excitement over the sighting of the Hollywood actor in Penang.
The videos also captured the scale of the production, with crew members seen setting up large camera rigs, lighting equipment and a lifting platform, and some roads temporarily closed to accommodate filming activities.
The production, which stars Wahlberg alongside British actor Riz Ahmed, is believed to have filmed selected scenes in the state as part of the movie's international shoot.
The Big Fix is believed to follow an Interpol officer linked to FIFA who uncovers a global match-fixing operation, leading to a high-stakes investigation.
The Netflix movie is primarily being filmed in Sydney, Australia, with additional scenes shot in other locations to support the film's global storyline.
The film also features an international cast, including Singaporean actor Chin Han, Indian actor Vipin Sharma and Malaysian actress Nuha Jes Izman, who is based in the United States.
Wahlberg, known for films such as Transformers, The Departed and Ted, is one of Hollywood's most recognisable actors and producers.
