“The Union” is shaping up to be not just Netflix‘s biggest hit of August, but potentially one of the top films of the year. While we weren’t necessarily craving an action-comedy, the combination of Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry in this genre is exactly what we didn’t know we needed!

Just hours after its release, the movie became the most-watched movie worldwide, according to FlixPatrol. The plot follows Mike McKenna, a down-to-earth construction worker who is unexpectedly thrust into the world of spies and action by his high school sweetheart, Roxanne Hall.

While the story itself is engaging, the real draw is the undeniable chemistry between Wahlberg and Berry. The duo has shared that this is their first collaboration despite being friends for years, leaving many to wonder: When did they first meet? How has their relationship evolved over time?

When did Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg meet?

Mark Wahlberg mentioned in several interviews during the premiere of “The Union” that he specifically chose Halle Berry for the film not only because she’s an action icon, but because of their long-standing friendship.

Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry in an edit made by Netflix to promote “The Union”.

In a recent conversation with CBR, Halle revealed that she and Mark first met in the early ’90s and immediately hit it off, bonding over their shared backgrounds and common interests.

“We both started in very meager beginnings, same part of the country almost, we had the same references growing up. We had a lot of commonalities between us that sort of bound us together. We relied on that. We tried to bring that to the characters.”

While they didn’t specify the exact circumstances of their first meeting, it’s clear that it happened early in their careers. Since then, they’ve maintained a consistent connection.

Many have wondered just how close they’ve been over the years. Judging by their statements, it seems they’ve kept in touch, though their busy lives as A-list stars may have limited their time together. This is evident from Halle’s recent comment to People that she introduced Mark to her 16-year-old daughter during the making of the film.

Halle shared that her daughter said, “Oh, you know Mark Wahlberg? Okay, you’re cool.” This suggests that their friendship, while strong, hasn’t involved regular get-togethers.

All things considered, it seems that Mark and Halle forged a deep connection early on, one that has endured over the decades even without frequent contact. However, with the success of “The Union,” it’s likely they’ll be seeing more of each other—especially with rumors of the picture getting a sequel!