“Instant Family” is inspired by the real events from the life of writer/director Sean Anders and stars Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Octavia Spencer, Isabela Moner, Tig Notaro and Margo Martindale.
When Pete and Ellie decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child, but when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15-year-old girl, they find themselves speeding from zero to three kids overnight. Now, Pete and Ellie must try to learn the ropes of instant parenthood in the hope of becoming a family.
We caught up with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne to talking becoming instant parents and an instant family.
The Knockturnal: What about the story really attracted you guys?
Mark Wahlberg: For me, having to work with Sean Anders on multiple occasions, you know. I was obviously in love with working with him, and when he said he wanted to make a movie about his real life story and how he and Beth, his wife, had adopted 3 children and I thought okay well if you want to do that, I’m in. And I’m kind of getting to play him which is nice because normally you know, he’s watching me play another character so it was nice to kind of be able to pick from him.
The Knockturnal: Is that added pressure when it’s so close to home?
Mark Wahlberg: No, I mean we were both just a little worried that I don’t know, maybe we were pushing a little too far. But you know, he knew what he wanted tonally, and we were just trusting in him.
The Knockturnal: You guys got to work a lot with each other throughout the film what do you admire most about each other.
Rose Byrne: Mark gets up very early and he’s in great shape.
Mark Wahlberg: Terrible, those are both insults
Rose Byrne: I’m just cracking myself up, What do you mean?!
Mark Wahlberg: Rose is one of the most talented actresses I have ever seen.
Rose Byrne : Mark is an incredibly hard worker. Please, please, please. He’s just saying that because I made fun of him.
Mark Wahlberg: it is unimaginable how she manages to be so beautiful and so talented. The amount of gifts and blessings that were bestowed upon her aren’t fair to the rest of the world
Rose Byrne : The fastest way to get a compliment from Mark is to make fun of him
Mark Wahlberg: How about that? Whether it be her dramatic work, or comedic work, I don’t know…
Rose Byrne : I was just trying to keep up with him. It was so fun working together. And he is great with the kids and very collaborative. It was good because you know we did not have to sell that we were a couple. Sean and Beth, his wife are such a great couple, so it was that idea of a couple that was good together, not like bickering and blah blah blah.
Mark Wahlberg: Like we are right now.
Rose Byrne : Exactly, like I’m giving him a hard time right now.
The Knockturnal: I talked to the kids earlier, they said they learned a lot from you guys. What did you learn working with the kids?
Rose Byrne : Oh that’s so sweet.
Mark Wahlberg: What it’s like to be a kid again.
Rose Byrne : I know, they were so cute.
Mark Wahlberg: And how to be more professional, more prepared.
Rose Byrne : And they always steal the scene that’s the thing, kids and animals always steal the scene.
Mark Wahlberg: Speak for yourself.
Rose Byrne : They do! That’s why you shouldn’t work with them. Because they’re always much more entertaining to watch. You’re more focused on the kid or the dog. But uh, they were lovely and they all really wanted to do a good job. Particularly Gustavo, he is really hardworking. He is such a dedicated actor and very passionate about it.
