Mark Wahlberg Daddy’s Home Comedy brought Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg together in 2015 for a comedy that centers around the rivalry between a mild-mannered stepfather and the biological father of his two stepchildren. The film, directed by Sean Anders, follows their escalating battle to gain the kids’ approval through humorous and sometimes outrageous antics. Despite mixed reviews from critics, Daddy’s Home achieved significant box office success, grossing $242.8 million worldwide and becoming Ferrell’s highest-earning live-action film.
The story’s appeal was strong enough to lead to a 2017 sequel, but what many viewers may not realize is that the film’s premise has roots in real-life experiences. Brian Burns, the screenwriter behind Daddy’s Home, drew heavily from his own journey as a stepfather, weaving his personal challenges and emotions into the script that would eventually become this hit comedy.
How Brian Burns’ Life Inspired the Film’s Storyline
Following their successful collaboration in 2010’s The Other Guys, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg reunited to tell a story about Brad Whitaker (Ferrell), a considerate radio executive trying to bond with his new stepchildren after marrying their mother, Sara (Linda Cardellini). Their peace is disrupted when Dusty Mayron (Wahlberg), the children’s biological father, returns with the determination to reclaim his role in their lives. What unfolds is a comedic rivalry filled with creative schemes and heartfelt moments.
Brian Burns, who wrote and produced the screenplay, admitted that much of the humor and tension between the two father figures was drawn from his own real-life experience stepping into the role of a stepdad. Before creating the screenplay, Burns confronted the complexities and insecurities that come with becoming a step-parent, especially the unexpected dynamic of instantly forming a relationship with the children’s biological father.
“What I didn’t account for, in addition to jumping into this relationship of being a father to these two kids, I was thrust into an instant relationship with their real dad. That was the beginning of it. He’s a nice guy but we’re such total polar opposites. At first, it threw me for a loop – I was jarred by it. And then I started to find it really, really hilarious.”
—Brian Burns, Screenwriter and Producer
The film captures the tug-of-war between Brad and Dusty as they strive to outdo each other using everything from adorable puppy dogs to building treehouses, and even bringing in the Los Angeles Lakers, all to win favor with the stepchildren. Burns structured the story to reflect the anxieties and uncertainties of blending families, injecting a balance of comedy and warmth into the narrative.
Brian Burns’ Experience Working with Will Ferrell
When the cast was announced, Burns was thrilled to learn that Will Ferrell would portray the character modeled after himself. In a 2020 interview with People, Burns described the experience as surreal and a dream fulfilled, expressing admiration for Ferrell’s knack for embodying his mannerisms, including an emotional tendency to tear up easily.
“We would end up in these situations where everything I would do at home with the kids – they would go to their dad’s and then he would unravel it. Then they would come back and I would have to unravel what he did. And I would think ‘Oh my God, this is such a crazy dynamic.'”
—Brian Burns, Screenwriter and Producer
This back-and-forth dynamic between the fathers, which often led to hilarious confusion and competition, formed the core of the film’s comedic tension and emotional depth.
Box Office Success and Audience Reception
Daddy’s Home officially premiered on Christmas Day in 2015, quickly capturing the public’s attention with its comedic take on modern family life. While critics were mixed, awarding lukewarm reviews, audiences responded more favorably, giving the film a B+ CinemaScore. Its impressive $242.8 million global earnings made it the highest-grossing live-action film of Will Ferrell’s career, eclipsing the popular holiday movie Elf, which grossed $228.9 million.
The movie’s box office triumph led to a sequel, Daddy’s Home 2, released in 2017. However, the follow-up could not replicate the original’s commercial success and did not include Brian Burns as the writer, marking a shift in the creative team’s involvement.
The Lasting Impact of Daddy’s Home on Its Creators and Fans
Mark Wahlberg Daddy’s Home Comedy remains notable for blending humor with real-life insights into blended families and the struggles of step-parenting. The film’s roots in Brian Burns’ personal experiences add a unique authenticity that resonated with audiences despite critical reservations. Bringing together veteran actors like Ferrell and Wahlberg, and capturing the complexities of family dynamics, Daddy’s Home continues to stand out as a comedic portrayal of modern fatherhood and blended households.
Looking forward, the film’s success underscores the potential for stories that mix heartfelt personal experiences with mainstream entertainment, encouraging similar projects that explore family relationships through humor and relatability.
