Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, 55, was filming scenes in Penang, Malaysia, for the Netflix crime thriller "The Big Fix," beginning on or about July 10, 2026, with production expected to last about two weeks [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The film is directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur and also stars British actor Riz Ahmed [1, 2, 5, 6, 7].
The story centers on a former Interpol officer linked to FIFA who uncovers a global match-fixing operation [8, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7]. Other cast members include Singaporean actor Chin Han, Indian actor Vipin Sharma, and Malaysian actress Nuha Jes Izman, who is based in the US [8, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7].
Though primarily filmed in Sydney, Australia, the production used multiple locations across Penang, including the Jawi Peranakan Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion, Lorong Ikan, Penang City Stadium, Batu Kawan Stadium, Lorong Kulit, Macallum Field, Padang Brown, and the heritage enclave of George Town [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Filming required temporary road closures and extensive production equipment like lighting towers, camera rigs, and a lifting platform [8, 6].
Local authorities supported the filming with permits valid from July 1 to 31, 2026, and imposed fees including a refundable deposit of RM 2,000 (S$635), daily licence fees of RM 10, processing fees of RM 50, and heritage site fees of RM 50 [1, 2].
The production in Penang was coordinated by Biscuit Films with producers Bennett Walsh and Bill Donovan, alongside Malaysian location manager Guy Sahibjahn [4, 5]. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said, "A production of this calibre brings invaluable international exposure to Penang through one of the world's largest streaming platforms," adding, "The decision by a major Netflix production starring Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg to film in Penang is another significant milestone for the state's tourism and creative economy." [1, 5, 7]
Penang Island City Council mayor A. Rajendran also expressed support. Malaysia's Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and National Film Development Corporation chairman Datuk Hans Isaac visited the shooting locations. Isaac shared on social media, "Was nice to have met you on set yesterday and taking that photo with our Malaysian National Film Board team." [1, 2, 3, 6]
Mark Wahlberg was spotted arriving in Penang in a Perodua Kelisa car, which went viral on Malaysian social media [1, 2, 3]. A devout Roman Catholic, he attended Mass in Penang and posted a video with Rev Fr Michael Raymond, parish priest of the Church of Divine Mercy, captioned "Happy Sunday brother. God bless you. Stay prayed up, from Malaysia." [3, 6, 7]
Penang has previously hosted international productions such as "Sandiwara" starring Michelle Yeoh, showing growing confidence in the state's filmmaking community [5, 7].
Filming in Penang started around July 10 and has involved multiple key sites. On July 11, Wahlberg was seen filming scenes and stepping out of a Perodua Kelisa car [8, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. On July 14, Wong Hon Wai and Penang officials publicly commented on the economic benefits of the shoot [1, 4, 5, 7].
The filming permit for Penang covers July 1 through 31, 2026, allowing production teams up to the end of the month to complete their work [1, 2].
