Both Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix are known for going to extreme lengths in order to bring justice to their respective projects that they’ve attached to over the years.  And when the two joined forces back in the early phase of their career, the two brought out the best in each other, but in doing so, the two left each other moaning in pain.

Back in 2000, Wahlberg was already an established actor thanks to 1997’s Boogie Nights, and Phoenix also made a name for himself by starring in Gladiator. Later that year, the two uprising stars joined forces for The Yards, but the film would witness the two engaging in a real fight.
Joaquin Phoenix

Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix engaged in a raw brawl for The Yards

Considering both Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix always aim to deliver the most convincing performance in their roles, the two decided to fight each other for real in The Yards.

The fight sequences involved both of them fighting down a flight of stairs and then taking it to the streets, resulting in the two sustaining major injuries, especially Joaquin Phoenix.

Reflecting on the painful scene, Phoenix explained the two were attempting to keep the fight raw and sloppy, suffering their fair share of bumps in the process. He said,
“Mark and I blocked it out of ourselves. We wanted it to be an epic battle, falling down the stairs and out onto the street. We had elbow pads and knee pads, but on the first take Mark just grabbed me with his pinkie, flipped me into the air and I landed on my head. Man, did I have a bump. I was black and blue for days.”
The Pain & Gain star too shared his perspective on the painful collaboration with the Joker star, as he deemed it as one of the most memorable fights he has been involved in.

The Yards (2000)
Mark Wahlberg has nothing but admiration for Joaquin Phoenix

Reflecting on the sloppy and violent fight sequence with Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg deemed it as one of the better fights he has been involved in, The actor explained both of them had no idea how the fight would go on, and it certainly helped in bringing out the rawness of the sequence. Wahlberg also didn’t back away from commending Phoenix for his determination. He explained,
“It became one of the better fights that I have been a part of. He didn’t know what I was going to do. I didn’t know what he was going to do. I think he wished he knew what I was going to do after the first night of shooting because it got pretty aggressive. He’s a gamer, he’s a method guy.”
Mark Wahlberg
Some years later, the two would reunite to share the silver screen one more time with We Own the Night, which further elevated their respect for each other.