Mark Wahlberg is set to headline two very different projects that may reverse a recent run of under‑performing films.. The historical crime thriller By Any Means is slated for a September 4, 2026 theatrical debut, while the feel‑good adventure Arthur the King already ranks among Peacock’s most‑streamed titles in the United States.

‘By Any Means’ targets a 1966 Mississippi murder saga

According to the source, the film places a notorious mafia hitman alongside a young Black FBI agent to investigate the 1966 murders of civil‑rights leaders in Mississippi. The ensemble includes Yahya Abdul‑Mateen II , Giancarlo Esposito, Nicole Beharie, David Strathairn,Josh Lucas and Ethan Embry, underscoring a heavyweight cast that could attract awards attention.

The production’s release date—September 4 , 2026—means it will arrive well after Wahlberg’s recent box‑office setbacks ,giving marketers ample time to rebuild audience confidence.

‘Arthur the King’ fuels streaming success while Wahlberg battles criticism

‘Arthur the King’, based on Mikael Lindnord’s 2016 memoir, follows Wahlberg’s character and his canine companion on a heart‑warming trek. The source notes the movie is currently one of the ten most‑streamed titles on Peacock in the U.S., suggesting strong digital demand despite mixed critical reception for Wahlberg’s recent live‑action work.

While critics have been harsh on Wahlberg’s recent output, the streaming metrics provide a tangible counterpoint, hinting that audiences may still be drawn to his star power when the material resonates emotionally.

Other projects in the pipeline: ‘The Big Fix’ and ‘Weekend Warriors’

Production on the crime thriller The Big Fix, co‑starring Riz Ahmed, began last month in Sydney, indicating Wahlberg’s scheedule is already full. Meanwhile, the ensemble comedy Weekend Warriors, featuring Vera Farmiga, Wood Harris, Mark Linn‑Baker and Yakov Smirnoff, is in post‑production, adding another genre‑diverse entry to his slate.

These projects collectively illustrate a strategic pivot toward varied genres—crime, comedy, and adventure—aimed at broadening Wahlberg’s appeal beyond the recent action‑drama misfires.

Who will decide if Wahlberg’s comeback succeeds?

The source points to the upcoming performance of By Any Means as the litmus test for Wahlberg’s box‑office redemption. Yet the streaming strength of Arthur the King raises the question:will digital viewership outweigh theatrical receipts in redefining his career trajectory?

Industry analysts will be watching both the September 2026 box‑office numbers and Peacock’s streaming data to gauge whether the actor can convert fan enthusiasm into sustained profitability.