Penang is capitalising on the buzz around Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg’s presence on the island to push its case as a filming destination for international productions.
Wahlberg arrived in Penang on 11 JULY to shoot scenes for The Big Fix, a Netflix crime thriller directed by Baltasar Kormakur. The production, which also stars British actor Riz Ahmed, has been filming across several locations on the island since 10 JULY and is expected to continue for about two weeks, according to Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai visited the film set at Penang City Stadium and met members of the production team, including producer Bennett Walsh, Biscuit Films producer Bill Donovan and Malaysia location manager Guy Sahibjahn.
“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,” Wong said in a statement.
Filming has taken place at several heritage and sporting venues across Penang Island, including the Jawi Peranakan Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as The Blue Mansion, Lorong Ikan in George Town, Padang Brown in Datuk Keramat, Lorong Kulit, Batu Kawan Stadium and Macallum Field.
The Big Fix centres on an Interpol officer linked to FIFA who uncovers a global match-fixing network. The Star reported that the film is primarily being shot in Sydney, Australia, with additional sequences filmed in Penang to support the storyline’s international scope.
The international cast also includes Singaporean actor Chin Han, Indian actor Vipin Sharma and Malaysian actress Nuha Jes Izman, who is based in the United States.
Social media clips showing Wahlberg stepping out of a vehicle and entering a shop on a cordoned-off street went viral across Facebook, TikTok and X, drawing crowds of onlookers. The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chairman Datuk Hans Isaac also confirmed the production’s presence in Malaysia after meeting the crew on set.
The production is supported under the Film in Malaysia Incentive programme and endorsed by Wong’s office and the Penang Island City Council. Wong said his office had worked closely with Penang Global Tourism, the city council and relevant government agencies to facilitate the filming.
Earlier this year, Penang also served as a filming location for Sandiwara, starring Academy Award-winning Malaysian actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh. Together, these productions reflect growing international confidence in Penang’s filming ecosystem, Wong said.
Penang has long been a popular filming destination. Heritage architecture, multicultural streetscapes and colonial-era buildings have been used to portray locations across Asia in productions including Anna and the King (1999), Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Lust, Caution (2007).
