A rumor surfaced in early September 2024 that actor Mark Wahlberg had turned down a starring role in a $2 billion Disney movie, citing the company's "wokeness." For example, the Facebook page SpaceX Fanclub posted the claim in meme form (archived) on Sept. 8.

The text of the meme read:

Mark Wahlberg Rejects Disney's $2 Billion Project

"No Chance I'll Work With Them Again

Don't Need That Wokeness in My Life"

A pinned comment under the Facebook post shared a link to an article on Esspots.com (archived), which stated:

In a shocking and self-assured move, Hollywood superstar Mark Wahlberg has turned down a $2 billion offer from Disney to star in its latest blockbuster project, citing a staunch refusal to be associated with the company's growing "wokeness."

"I'm done. No chance I'll work with them again. I don't need that wokeness in my life," Wahlberg allegedly told sources close to the project during a heated phone call, reportedly slamming down his protein shake for added emphasis. The move sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, sparking conversations from gym locker rooms to corporate boardrooms about whether Wahlberg's rejection was a principled stand or the latest chapter in Hollywood's ongoing cultural divide.