Mark Wahlberg is returning to television after more than three decades by lending his voice to the character John Bennet in Peacock’s new show, Ted: The Animated Series. This revival follows the popular Ted franchise and marks Wahlberg’s first scripted TV role since the early 1990s.
The series continues the story from the original films featuring the infamous talking teddy bear, giving fans a chance to reconnect with Wahlberg in his well-known role. Despite initial plans for a live-action show, the production shifted direction to animation, accommodating Wahlberg’s busy schedule and other logistical challenges.
The Ted Franchise: Mark Wahlberg’s Most Lucrative and Unexpected Comedy Success
Seth MacFarlane’s Ted series began with a simple yet imaginative premise: a boy’s wish for his teddy bear to come alive sets off a chain of comedic events. Known primarily for his tough-guy roles in action films, Wahlberg surprised audiences by embracing a lighter, comedic persona in the original 2012 movie.
Though opinions on the movies varied critically, the franchise achieved remarkable box office success, amassing over $773 million worldwide. This accomplishment has made Ted one of Wahlberg’s most financially accomplished projects to date, overshadowing many of his previous action hits.
While Wahlberg’s decision not to join the Peacock series in its initial version disappointed some fans, his eventual involvement as a voice actor in the animated sequel marks a significant television comeback. This reunion with MacFarlane highlights Wahlberg’s ongoing commitment to the franchise and offers a fresh way to engage audiences.
Details on the Upcoming Ted: The Animated Series and Its Production
The animated spin-off promises to deliver the same mix of humor and chaos fans expect from the Ted universe. Set after the events of the first two films, the series will focus on the continued adventures of John Bennet and his unconventional companion, the foul-mouthed teddy bear.
The transition to animation was largely motivated by financial reasons, with sources reporting that producing the live-action second season became prohibitively expensive, with episode costs around $8 million. Animation provides a more cost-effective approach and flexible recording schedules for the cast, including Wahlberg.
Although the exact storyline details remain under wraps, Peacock has shared glimpses of cast members recording their lines, confirming production is underway. Fans can expect the animated version to retain the crass and irreverent tone characteristic of the franchise.
No official release date has been announced yet, but anticipation is building as the project moves forward. Meanwhile, viewers interested in revisiting the world of Ted can stream the original movies on Hulu while looking forward to the Peacock series debut in 2024.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many tattoos did Mark Wahlberg have removed?
A. Mark Wahlberg, who starred in The Departed, decided he wanted to remove some of his tattoos. He mentioned he had eight or nine taken off.
Q. Is Mark Wahlberg a billionaire?
A. Celebrity Net Worth estimates that actor Mark Wahlberg has around $400 million. In 2023, he earned $46.7 million by selling his 30,500-square-foot home in Beverley Park, Los Angeles, for $55 million.
Q. How many tattoos did Mark Wahlberg remove?
A. Pete Davidson mentioned that he has already spent over $200,000 to remove only 30% of his tattoos. He thinks it will take a decade and thousands more dollars to finish the process.
Q. Is Mark Wahlberg a religious guy?
A. He apologized after families of the flight victims showed anger. Wahlberg, a Catholic, calls his faith “the most important part” of his life and attends Mass twice on Sundays. Despite the Church’s stance, he strongly backs same-sex marriage.
