Watch Mark Wahlberg in exclusive trailer

On By Littum

Mark Wahlberg shaves his head and turns evil as a rogue pilot in “Flight Risk,” the new film directed by Mel Gibson.

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If you’ve wondered what it might be like to be trapped in a small plane with a psychotic pilot, “Flight Risk” is here to help you live through that nightmare – in real time.

Weaving in 91 minutes, director Mel Gibson (“Hacksaw Ridge”) weaves a tale of a government witness (Topher Grace) who is escorted by an FBI agent (Michelle Dockery) onto a plane piloted by an assassin (Mark Wahlberg). Airborne chaos ensues.

The film hits theaters Jan. 24, and USA TODAY has the exclusive new “Flight Risk” trailer.

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“It’s a taut thriller that happens in real time,” Gibson says in a statement, calling the film an experience “that harnesses the viewer’s id through the fear of flying.”

A typically buff Wahlberg chose to play fiercely against type in “Flight Risk,” shaving his head daily for his role as balding psycho Daryl Booth.

Says Gibson: “It’s about Mark letting his dark side out in between running his empire and having lunch with his kids. He’s a multidimensional performer who’s managed to find the essence of a demented, balding sociopath.”

Wahlberg was clearly having fun. “I loved the chance to play a completely crazy villain again, and this film delivers on every level,” he says in a statement.

The film’s script was written a few years ago by Jared Rosenberg, and in 2020 was voted among Hollywood’s most liked unproduced scriptsaccording to Black List, an online hub for screenwriters.

(This report has been updated to add new information.)