It’s hard to overstate the impact of The Departed (2006), the gritty crime thriller that won Martin Scorsese his first and only Oscar for Best Director. Not only did the film become a critical and commercial success, grossing nearly $300 million worldwide, but it also cemented itself as one of the most celebrated films of the 21st century. However, despite its enduring popularity and rave reviews, this iconic movie almost had a sequel—one that would have focused on a standout character and starred a powerhouse cast. So why, despite its clear potential, did the idea of a follow-up Departed film never materialize?
A Masterpiece That Almost Got a Sequel
The plot of The Departed centers around two men, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), who lead double lives as they infiltrate either the police or the Irish mob in Boston. The tension, the double-crossing, and the explosive performances from the likes of Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg made the film unforgettable. Wahlberg’s portrayal of the foul-mouthed, no-nonsense Sergeant Dignam was particularly memorable, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His character became an instant fan favorite, and his sharp dialogue and no-holds-barred attitude made him stand out among an already impressive cast.
For fans, Dignam’s character seemed to have so much more to offer. And for Wahlberg, it wasn’t just about playing the role—it was about the possibility of expanding on it. In fact, he was so captivated by the character that, years later, he pitched the idea of a Departed sequel, centered around Dignam’s post-movie life.
The Sequel Pitch: Ambition Meets Reality
In 2022, Wahlberg shared details of his ambitious sequel idea on KFC Radio, revealing that he had pitched the concept to William Monahan, the screenwriter of The Departed. “I went into a meeting with Bill Monahan at Warner Bros to pitch the sequel,” he explained. While the meeting didn’t go as planned, Wahlberg recalled how he and Monahan envisioned a film that would not only revisit the events of the original but also explore new territories with a cast that included heavyweights like Robert De Niro and Brad Pitt.
But despite the star power and ambitious scope, the pitch wasn’t enough to convince Warner Bros. to move forward. As Wahlberg explained, Monahan didn’t have a detailed script to present, which ultimately led to the studio’s decision to decline the project. “We didn’t have anything really specific in mind, and they like things to be more fleshed out in advance,” he admitted.
What Could Have Been: A Sequel with a Rich Backstory
Wahlberg and Monahan’s idea for a sequel was centered around expanding Dignam’s backstory, with the action taking place before, during, and after the events of the original film. “It could have been extraordinary,” Wahlberg said, reflecting on what could have been. However, despite the ambition behind the concept, Wahlberg admitted that they hadn’t fully developed the idea when they pitched it to the studio, which likely contributed to its failure.
In 2011, he further discussed the idea in an interview with Slashfilm, expressing his belief that Warner Bros. wanted to see a clear, well-developed synopsis before greenlighting the project. “I don’t do synopses. I don’t do pitches,” he said, acknowledging that his approach may have been too vague for the studio.
Despite these challenges, Wahlberg remained optimistic about the potential of a Departed sequel, stating that he still had the concept in his mind, and that it would have been “absolutely stunning.” However, the sequel never materialized, and it wasn’t just The Departed 2 that never came to life. Other projects involving Wahlberg and Monahan, like Cocaine Cowboys and American Desperado, also failed to get off the ground.
A Lost Opportunity, But Not Forgotten
While fans were disappointed by the lack of a sequel, the truth is that The Departed stands as a masterpiece on its own, without the need for a follow-up. The film is an adaptation of the 2002 Hong Kong crime thriller Infernal Affairs, and its tightly-woven plot, memorable performances, and intense pacing left little room for a continuation without diminishing its impact.
Wahlberg’s character, Dignam, may have been ripe for further exploration, but in the end, sometimes it’s better to leave a great thing as it is, rather than risk ruining it with a sequel that doesn’t quite live up to the original. In any case, the legacy of The Departed remains secure, and its place in the pantheon of modern crime cinema is undisputed.
Though we’ll never get to see The Departed 2, the idea of what it could have been serves as a reminder of the creative ambitions that almost turned into something extraordinary, but ultimately never did. In the end, maybe it’s better to let some masterpieces remain as they are—perfect, unfinished, and unforgettable.
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.