Mark Wahlberg‘s performance in By Any Means has sparked mixed critical response. The 2026 crime thriller stars Wahlberg as Mafia hitman and FBI informant Gregory Scarpa. It is set in 1960s Mississippi.
The film follows Black FBI agent Wayne Strider (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) as he investigates the murder of civil rights activist Vernon Dahmer (Giancarlo Esposito). Directed by Elegance Bratton, the film is based on the real events surrounding Scarpa’s work with the FBI. It is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 4, 2026.
By Any Means currently has a 65% Tomatometer score from 15 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. While Abdul-Mateen II has earned praise for his grounded performance as Strider, Wahlberg has received mixed reactions. Several critics have found his performance too exaggerated, while others feel his strong screen presence works well for Scarpa.
Why some critics are defending Mark Wahlberg’s performanceLiz Braun of Original Cin is one of the critics who sees some value in Wahlberg’s performance. She praises Abdul-Mateen II for bringing the gravitas that anchors the film, particularly when Wahlberg’s performance becomes more theatrical. At the same time, Braun highlights the actor’s unique screen presence. She described his energy as “a strange mix of exuberance and street-smart belligerence.”
Next Best Picture’s Giovanni Lago takes a more critical view but still finds a reason to defend Wahlberg’s choices. He questions whether the actor convincingly resembles an Italian-American mobster from Bensonhurst and argues that the prosthetic nose does little to transform him into Scarpa. However, Lago noted, “He understands what the film needs, offering a nice balance to Mateen’s straight man having to suffer in silence.”
The Wrap’s William Bibbiani similarly noted that Wahlberg’s straightforward approach can work for Scarpa, even while finding little to praise in the performance itself. According to the critic, Abdul-Mateen II gave a “standout performance” and also acknowledged that Wahlberg’s larger-than-life presence contributes to the uneasy dynamic between the two leads.
Still, not every critic is convinced. Some reviews argue that Wahlberg’s exaggerated performance distracts from the film’s serious subject matter. Others feel that Scarpa lacks depth as a character. Ultimately, critics remain split on whether Wahlberg’s exaggerated approach is a strength or weakness.
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