With Transformers 4 to Shoot in China, Mark Wahlberg Has a Busy Year Ahead

Via Transformers 3/Paramount

Tell you mom “Sorry,” but Mark Wahlberg can’t come say “Hi” right now—he’s busy promoting and prepping half a dozen action/comedy-packed projects for the big screen.

The latest news comes out of the Transformers 4 camp. Wahlberg signed on to star in the movie last year, which Paramount announced on Tuesday will film in China. Paramount’s decision follows last week’s announcement that an alternate version of Iron Man 3 will be released in the country, including special scenes and appearances.

On one hand, yes, it’s practical to cater to the world’s most populous country. However, in the case of Transformers 4, I’m surprised that Bay and company didn’t choose China’s neighbor Japan. The streets of Tokyo seem far more appropriate considering the country is the home of autobot brands like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, and Nissan.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Paramount is co-producing Transformers 4 with China Movie Channel and Jiaflix Enterprises, who will aid Michael Bay in securing filming locations, assist with the promotion of the film in China, and help cast Chinese actors and actresses.

It’s still unknown which, if any, big-name Chinese actors and actresses will be in Transformers 4 (though I love the idea of Jackie Chan having a “He is Mi, I Am Yu” conversation with Jazz).

While that’s all being sorted out, Wahlberg has plenty of other films to work on and promote.

Pain & Gain, which looked like a TV-movie-style dud in the initial promo, released its red band trailer last week. The restricted trailer restores my faith in the action-comedy (another Michael Bay-directed flick), which also stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and premieres April 26.

Here’s the Pain & Gain red band trailer, severed toe and all:

Another project Wahlberg will promote this year is 2 Guns, co-starring Denzel Washington. The two play undercover officials who don’t know the other is undercover, until they do. Cue a comedic fight between Wahlberg and Washington. Cue the epiphany that they were set up. And cue the ultimate teaming up of the two protagonists as they go after the mob that set them up. In other words, think: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, minus the romantic chemistry between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Here’s the trailer for 2 Guns, which comes out in August:

But wait, there’s more! While we all patiently await new developments in the filming of Ted 2, you can also look forward to getting your Mark Wahlberg fix in two other upcoming movies. Lone Survivor is based on a failed Navy SEAL mission to kill a Taliban leader, and Good Time Gang, while also about going after a terrorist, is a comedy co-starring Jonah Hill.