Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser really went there for that condom scene in 'Balls Up'
The two actors are leaning into the absurdity of their new comedy, especially a certain wild moment involving swallowed condoms.
At a glance
What matters most
- Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser discussed a bizarre scene in 'Balls Up' where condoms are swallowed, with Hauser teasing that Wahlberg said he had 'a lot of experience.'
- The comedy, directed by Peter Farrelly, premiered on Prime Video and features a cast including Benjamin Bratt, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Molly Shannon.
- Critics describe the film as a loud, formulaic raunchfest that relies more on shock value than sharp writing.
- Despite the over-the-top humor, Wahlberg and Hauser are playing the antics straight, leaning into the film's commitment to absurdity.
Across the spectrum
What people are saying
A quick look at how the same story is being framed from different angles.
On the Left
The film feels like a step back for Hollywood, doubling down on gross-out humor instead of telling stories with depth or inclusivity. At a time when comedy can challenge norms, 'Balls Up' chooses easy laughs at the expense of substance.
In the Center
It's a broad, silly comedy that knows what it is-no more, no less. While it doesn't break new ground, the cast's chemistry and commitment give it some charm, even if the humor isn't for everyone.
On the Right
Finally, a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. In a culture oversaturated with message-driven films, 'Balls Up' is a welcome return to unapologetic, dumb fun that doesn't lecture the audience.
Full coverage
What you should know
Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser aren't shying away from the weirdest parts of their new comedy 'Balls Up'-especially a scene so strange it sounds made up. In a recent interview, the two actors talked about filming a moment that involves swallowing condoms, and yes, it's as wild as it sounds. Hauser, never one to miss a beat, joked that Wahlberg told him off-camera, 'I've done this before,' adding, 'He said he had a lot of experience.' Whether that was serious or just part of the bit is anyone's guess, but the energy fits the movie's anything-goes tone.
'Balls Up,' now streaming on Prime Video, is the latest from Peter Farrelly, best known for 'Dumb and Dumber' and the Oscar-winning 'Green Book.' This time, he's back in broad comedy territory, leaning hard into the kind of crude, slapstick humor that defined his earlier work. The film follows a group of misfit cops on a chaotic undercover mission, with Wahlberg playing a gruff veteran and Hauser as his wide-eyed partner. The plot, honestly, feels like a vehicle for gags-many of which revolve around, well, balls.
The condom scene isn't just a throwaway moment. It's the kind of stunt-heavy bit that actors either dread or fully commit to. By all accounts, both Wahlberg and Hauser leaned in. There's no indication either actually swallowed anything real, but the physical comedy and timing sell the absurdity. It's the kind of scene that either has you groaning and laughing or just groaning.
Critics have noticed. The Hollywood Reporter called 'Balls Up' a 'rote raunch-fest,' praising the cast's energy but questioning how much the script gives them to work with. With Benjamin Bratt, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Molly Shannon rounding out the ensemble, there's no shortage of talent, but the material often feels more interested in shock than cleverness.
Still, there's something refreshing about a movie that doesn't pretend to be more than it is. 'Balls Up' isn't trying to win awards. It's aiming for couch laughs, late-night viewings, and the kind of dumb fun that doesn't require much thought. In that sense, Wahlberg and Hauser's willingness to go all in-even when it involves pretending to swallow condoms-might be the film's most honest quality.
The comedy's reception will likely split audiences. Some will appreciate the commitment to silliness in an era of overly serious blockbusters. Others will see it as a step backward for Farrelly, whose career has swung between heartfelt drama and juvenile humor. But for fans of old-school, no-holds-barred comedies, 'Balls Up' delivers exactly what it promises.
Whether or not the jokes land, one thing's clear: Wahlberg and Hauser are having fun. And sometimes, that's enough to make even the strangest scene worth watching.
About this author
Zwely News Staff compiles multi-source reporting into concise, viewpoint-aware coverage for readers who want context without noise.
Source Notes
Mark Wahlberg, Paul Walter Hauser Talk Swallowing Condoms for Absurd ‘Balls Up’ Scene: “Mark Said He Had a Lot of Experience”
Wahlberg and Hauser had dick jokes at the ready in an interview with Decider for their Amazon comedy.
‘Balls Up’ Review: Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walker Hauser Bumble Their Way Through Peter Farrelly’s Rote Raunch-Fest
Benjamin Bratt, Sacha Baron Cohen and Molly Shannon also appear in the 'Green Book' helmer's comedy, premiering on Prime Video.
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