THE shooting of a major Netflix film starring Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg is expected to raise Penang's profile internationally, as well as open new opportunities for the state's tourism and creative economy sectors.
The two-week filming of The Big Fix in several locations in Penang is another significant achievement in the state's efforts to solidify its position as a preferred destination for international film and television productions, with several heritage sites and iconic landmarks used as backdrops for the Hollywood film.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai said such an international-level production provided invaluable exposure to the state through one of the world's largest streaming platforms.
"This is another significant achievement for Penang's tourism and creative economy sectors.
"A production of this magnitude provides invaluable international exposure to Penang through one of the world's largest streaming platforms," he said after meeting with the production team at the Penang City Stadium.
‘Big Fix’ is a crime thriller film directed by Baltasar Kormákur starring Riz Ahmed, Mark Wahlberg, Zlatko Burić, and Chin Han.
The movie details a former Interpol officer working inside the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), who uncovers a global match-fixing operation.
What begins as an investigation quickly escalates into a high-stakes pursuit with Wahlberg playing the role of the former Interpol officer.
Wahlberg, a devout Roman Catholic, attended Mass on Sunday and shared a post with Rev. Fr. Michael Raymond, parish priest of the Church of Divine Mercy.
For the past three days, filming has taken place at several iconic locations, namely the Jawi Peranakan Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion, Lorong Ikan in George Town and the stadium.
The filming of The Big Fix is supported by the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) programme and endorsed by the Office of the Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE) and MBPP as part of efforts to position Penang as a preferred destination for international productions.
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 film industry ecosystem and the state's commitment to developing the tourism and creative economy, said Wong. - July 14, 2026.
