It was a winning weekend at the box office for actors Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg. Gibson’s latest directorial effort, Flight Risk, soared to the number one spot domestically with a 12 million dollar debut, marking Gibson’s first chart-topping opening since Apocalypto in 2006.

Benefiting from a quiet January release window, Flight Risk easily dominated the weekend, showcasing Gibson’s enduring appeal as a director. The Lionsgate thriller stars Mark Wahlberg as a deranged airline captain who hijacks a private jet carrying a government witness, played by Topher Grace.

Michelle Dockery, known for her role in Downton Abbey, rounds out the cast as a federal marshal tasked with protecting the witness, who has ties to organized crime.

This is not Gibson’s first collaboration with Lionsgate, as the studio also distributed his critically acclaimed World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge. The success of Flight Risk reaffirms Gibson’s reputation for delivering intense, character-driven films.

Mel Gibson has recently remained in the spotlight for reasons beyond Hollywood. Following President Donald Trump’s victory in November, Gibson was spotted at Mar-a-Lago.

As previously reported by Breitbart News, President Trump named Gibson as a special envoy to Hollywood, alongside actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone. This role aligns with the former president’s focus on reviving patriotic storytelling in American cinema.

With a strong opening and positive audience reception, Flight Risk not only underscores Mel Gibson’s filmmaking prowess but also proves that audiences continue to respond to the high-stakes thrillers that have become a hallmark of his career.