‘Play Dirty’ Director Shane Black on the Key to Managing A-Listers Like Mark Wahlberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Downey Jr.: ‘It’s Lightning in a Bottle’

VarietyWednesday, October 1, 2025 at 11:00:00 PM
‘Play Dirty’ Director Shane Black on the Key to Managing A-Listers Like Mark Wahlberg, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Downey Jr.: ‘It’s Lightning in a Bottle’
Shane Black, renowned for his action-packed films, shares insights on directing A-list stars like Mark Wahlberg and Arnold Schwarzenegger in his latest project, 'Play Dirty.' This film, now available on Amazon Prime Video, is a modern take on Donald E. Westlake's 'Parker' novels, showcasing high-stakes heists and intense performances. Black's ability to manage such big names is likened to 'lightning in a bottle,' highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of working with top-tier talent. This matters because it sheds light on the complexities of filmmaking and the dynamics between directors and actors.
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