The Union Director Julian Farino Reveals Why Mark Wahlberg And Halle Berry Have No Kissing Scenes: ‘Got To Leave A Lot Of Space…’

As a lifestyle expert with years of experience in analyzing movies and their impact on audiences, I must say that the decision made by director Julian Farino to keep Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg from kissing throughout “The Union” is a masterstroke. Having worked in the film industry for quite some time, I can attest that a well-timed lack of romantic intimacy can often build more anticipation and intrigue among viewers than any number of forced kisses.


In a fresh collaboration, Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg have teamed up for their new spy-action comedy-thriller titled The Union. This is their first joint project in the movies. Despite the movie being filled with high-octane action sequences and nail-biting thrills, director Julian Farino has shed light on an interesting aspect – why there’s no kissing scene between Berry and Wahlberg throughout the film. He mentioned that this decision was a topic of much discussion. Keep reading for more intriguing details!

At The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, director Julian Farino and stars Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg attended the premiere of their new movie, The Union. They spoke with Variety about the project, with Farino revealing why there are no kissing scenes between Berry and Wahlberg’s characters, Roxanne Hall and Mike McKenna, in the film, and how this decision increases excitement for possible future collaborations.

He said, “We take the relationship to a certain place, and then I think you’ve got to leave a lot of space to go,” before revealing that Netflix had suggested from the start to consider the project as “a possible three-movie idea.” He added that, in his opinion, if the audience is left wanting a kiss, they have likely succeeded in their goal.

In the film, Wahlberg portrays Mike McKenna, a construction worker from New Jersey who underperforms, yet finds his life disrupted when his former sweetheart, Roxanne (Berry), reappears. She believes he’s perfect for the task and enlists him in a perilous intelligence operation in Europe. This mission plunges them into a realm of spies and exhilarating car chases, creating a trail of sparks as they navigate through it together.

Actress Halle Berry, who portrayed Catwoman, and actor Ted agreed with the director’s explanation for omitting the kiss scene. Berry stated that after Mike and Roxanne share a kiss, their story essentially ends. She added that they aim to keep the “pursuit” alive in a possible sequel, should one be made, as fans are eager to follow the tale of these two high school sweethearts reuniting.

Wahlberg concurred with his fellow actor’s comments, expressing, “I suspect there will be much more than a kiss if we get the chance to work together again.” Yet, he pointed out that they must remain patient and observe what unfolds in the future.

Currently available for streaming on Netflix is the movie titled “The Union”. This film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Mike Colter, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jackie Earle Haley, J. K. Simmons, Alice Lee, James McMenamin, Jessica De Gouw, and Lorraine Bracco.

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2024-08-17 12:53