Mark Wahlberg plays everyman Pete Wagner – son, husband and…adoptive father in Paramount Pictures’ new comedy Instant Family.
In the film, when Pete and Ellie (Rose Byrne) decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child but when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15 year old girl (Isabela Moner), they find themselves speeding from zero to three kids overnight. Now, Pete and Ellie must hilariously try to learn the ropes of instant parenthood in the hopes of becoming a family. Instant Family is inspired by the real events from the life of writer/director Sean Anders.
Mark Wahlberg, who has now starred in three of Anders’ films, believes Sean’s personal experience will inform the movie. “I think it gives it an emotional anchor, and just an honesty and authenticity that makes it profoundly emotional and personal. And it’s something that everybody can identify with. And I think it’s going to be a very feel good movie in a time where people need to feel good.”
“Sean had talked to me a little bit about the idea of making this movie when we were making Daddy’s Home 2,” shares Wahlberg. “But it was just an idea and we had talked about other ideas in the past. When he came to me, I absolutely fell in love with the idea.”
“Every time I talked to him, even before I got the actual script it always got emotional,” recalls Wahlberg. “Being a parent and knowing how difficult it can be for children in the foster care system, it was always very emotional for me. Once I read the script, I laughed hysterically and cried quite a bit too.
“Sean is great when it comes to tone and pushing things with humor, but also delivering on an emotional level with audiences.” says Wahlberg. “Knowing Sean brought children into his home and created his own family and has encouraged other people to do the same is a very special thing.” He adds, “I think it will really be satisfying to audiences. And hopefully it will encourage and inspire people to look into children in the foster care system and create a home for them.”
“I’ve learned quite a bit about adoption having been a part of this process, but not enough,” admits Wahlberg. “There are a lot of wonderful children in need of families.” He adds, “Being a family is a very wonderful and rewarding thing but it can be very difficult and trying at times with adoptive children as with your biological children. The ultimate goal and reward is coming together in love; it’s a beautiful thing,” concludes Wahlberg when asked if he thinks this film can change the perception about adoption.
(Watch the new Instant Family spot)
In Philippine cinemas January 30, Instant Family is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
