🎬 Hollywood Just Chose Penang. Here's Why Mark Wahlberg Is Filming in George Town.
"Wait... is that really Mark Wahlberg walking through the streets of Penang?"
If you've been scrolling through Facebook or TikTok recently, you've probably seen the videos.
Yes—it's real.
Hollywood superstar
Mark Wahlberg has been spotted filming scenes in
George Town, Penang, for Netflix's upcoming international thriller
The Big Fix. The production has transformed parts of the city's heritage streets into a live Hollywood movie set, with camera cranes, lighting rigs, production vehicles and road closures drawing crowds of curious locals.
But here's the bigger question...
🌍 Out of thousands of cities around the world...
Why did Hollywood choose Penang?
The answer is surprisingly simple.
🏛️ 1. A Heritage City That Looks Like Nowhere Else
George Town isn't just another beautiful city.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial architecture, Chinese shophouses, Indian temples, mosques and vibrant street life exist side by side.
Within just a few streets, filmmakers can recreate scenes that feel like Southeast Asia, old-world Europe or a bustling international trading port.
That kind of versatility is incredibly valuable for international film productions.
Click here for Video
🎨 2. Every Corner Looks Cinematic
Walk through Armenian Street, Lebuh Melayu, Cannon Street or Ah Quee Street and you'll quickly understand why.
Colourful murals.
Historic five-foot ways.
Vintage shopfronts.
Hidden alleys.
Natural lighting.
You don't need expensive movie sets when the city itself already looks like one.
🍜 3. Penang Has Something Every Film Crew Loves
Long filming days require more than cameras.
They need amazing food.
Luckily, Penang is famous worldwide for it.
Whether it's nasi kandar, char koay teow, Hokkien mee or local kopitiams, the city gives international crews an authentic Malaysian experience that few destinations can match.
🌏 4. Penang Is Finally Getting Global Attention
For years, travellers have known Penang as one of Asia's best destinations.
Now Hollywood is helping introduce it to millions more people around the world.
The arrival of a Netflix production starring Mark Wahlberg isn't just exciting for movie fans.
It's another reminder that Penang is becoming an internationally recognised filming destination. Reports indicate filming is taking place across several Penang locations over roughly two weeks as part of the movie's global production schedule.
🎥 What Is The Big Fix?
The Big Fix is an upcoming Netflix thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur and starring
Mark Wahlberg alongside
Riz Ahmed.
The story follows a former Interpol officer investigating an international football match-fixing syndicate that spans multiple countries, making Penang one of several international filming locations.
❤️ Penang Has Always Been Movie-Worthy
Honestly...
Those of us who live here already knew.
The heritage streets.
The colourful culture.
The incredible food.
The friendly people.
The unique atmosphere.
Hollywood is simply discovering what locals have appreciated for decades.
📍Planning to Visit George Town?
If Mark Wahlberg's visit has inspired you to explore Penang, there's never been a better time.
Take a walk through the same heritage streets.
Discover the famous street art.
Enjoy world-class hawker food.
Experience the unique blend of history and modern city life that continues to attract visitors—and now, Hollywood filmmakers—from around the globe.
Who knows?
You might even recognise a filming location from
The Big Fix before the movie is released.
🎬 If Penang is good enough for Hollywood...
Maybe it's time to see it for yourself.
Share this article with someone who loves Penang, movies, or travel—and let's show the world why our heritage city deserves the spotlight.
For more tips and a full list of our top perks,
Click here:
Top Perks of Staying at HangoutSpacez.com
Disclaimer:
The above photos are sourced from the internet. Full photo credits go to the respective talented photographers.
