Mark Wahlberg has confirmed reports he has been approached to star in a sequel and a prequel to the violent crime thriller and Oscar contender “The Departed.” The film's writer William Monahan has already started work on the sequel, which focuses on the rogue police officer played by Wahlberg.

The 35-year-old, who is up for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in the 2006 thriller, tells EmpireOnline, "They told me they wanted to try to do it and I said, 'Well, I enjoyed playing the character.'

"They're talking about bringing in (Robert) De Niro to play a senator or a congressman. You know, the corruption obviously going deeper and higher up the ranks - reaching up the political chain. So it'll be fun." And if it's a success, they're gonna do a prequel and bring everyone back…make it a trilogy."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)