featuring @netflix
Mark Wahlberg is set to lead Netflix’s upcoming action thriller The Operator, which has now added acclaimed filmmaker Joe Carnahan as its director. The news comes shortly after Carnahan’s latest film, The Rip, became a major streaming success for Netflix.
According to Deadline, Carnahan has officially signed on to direct The Operator, based on an original spec screenplay by Harrison Query. Netflix acquired the script in a competitive deal in December 2025, and the project has since gained momentum with Wahlberg attached to star.
Carnahan’s involvement follows the strong performance of The Rip, which premiered on Netflix on January 16. Starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the crime thriller reportedly attracted more than 41 million views during its first three days and reached No. 1 on Netflix’s charts across 93 countries.
The Operator will see Wahlberg take on the role of a former Tier One operator who now works as one of the CIA’s covert specialists. His latest assignment takes an unexpected turn when he is ordered to escort his most hated target to safety.
What begins as a dangerous extraction soon develops into a deadly cat-and-mouse pursuit. Forced to protect someone he despises while evading those hunting them both, Wahlberg’s character will have to rely on his skills and experience to survive. The premise appears well suited to Carnahan’s trademark blend of intense action, gritty characters, and high-stakes tension.
The film also boasts an impressive production team. The Picture Company’s Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona will produce alongside Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson through their Municipal Pictures banner. Scott Glassgold will also produce under his 12:01 Films banner, following his work on the 2024 supernatural horror film Tarot.
Carnahan has established himself as a prominent name in action and crime cinema, with directing credits including Narc, Smokin’ Aces, The Grey, and Copshop. Netflix has also acquired Query’s latest crime drama series, The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey.
At this stage, The Operator does not have an official Netflix release date.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
