For a couple of weeks now, there has been this buzz about a sequel AND a prequel to Martin Scorsese's blockbuster movie 'The Departed'. When the rumor began to circulate, all that kept bugging people was how a sequel would work since all the main characters died at the end of the movie, in what can only be labeled as one of the bloodiest endings in the history of the cinema.

Yes, that much is true. But let us not forget about the one character that did not die by gunshot in 'The Departed': the foul-mouthed and outspoken Lieutenant Dignam, played by Mark Wahlberg. So far, the part got the actor one Oscar nomination for 'Best Supporting Actor', along with the critics' warm praises for finally establishing himself as a serious and talented actor.

Speaking with 'Empire', Mark confirmed that, indeed, he has been approached by the producers of 'The Departed' in view of a sequel in which he would play the leading part. 'They told me they wanted to try to do it and I said, "Well, I enjoyed playing the character". I mean, this guy [Dignam] doesn't give a s**t about anything. He doesn't care what anyone thinks. He just does what he does, he does it the way he wants to do it. And I love that. I don't think that people who are borderline sane have to be bad. It was just the way I was acting throughout the movie, and then you realize that he's one of the only stand-up guys. He avenges the death of someone he doesn't even like just because it's the right thing to do. There's a dignity to him.', Wahlberg said of his character in the cop drama.

At the same time, he also confirmed the rumor that William Monahan, the screenwriter, is hard at work on the script for the sequel. According to his own estimates, 'The Departed II' will go in production at the end of 2007 or the beginning of 2008. It is possible that, while giving this interview, Mark either forgot that a sequel would need Scorsese's approval and that of the director or he knew more than he was letting it show.

Another hint that the actor gave about the sequel was that it might also feature another household name, Robert De Niro. 'They're talking about bringing in 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.', he revealed. Plus, if the sequel works out fine, there will also be a prequel which will bring back all the original cast (including Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon).

For more information, just keep your eyes on this space.