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Mel Gibson has certainly been a lightning rod for criticism in Hollywood. Yet, amidst the drama, Andrew Garfield is stepping up to advocate for a more compassionate view of the actor-director. And honestly, it’s about time someone did!
Garfield, who collaborated with Gibson inHacksaw Ridge, recently shared his perspective on their working relationship. He noted that they had “deep, important conversations”during filming. Now, given Gibson’s notorious past—specifically the anti-Semitic comments he made back in 2006—you’d think Garfield might tread lightly. But no, he boldly defended Gibson, describing him as respectful and kind on set.
Andrew Garfield Advocates for Mel Gibson’s Redemption
Andrew Garfield, reflecting onMel Gibson’s tumultuous journey through Hollywood, contended that everyone deserves a chance at redemption. In a recent interview withPeople, the former expressed that Gibson “deserves to make films” and has“done a lot of beautiful healing with himself”.
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For context: Gibson’s career took a nosedive after his infamous DUI arrest (seeEW) in 2006, during which he made some rather regrettable comments. Garfield, who starred in Gibson’s 2016 war dramaHacksaw Ridge, reflected on what he learned while working with the filmmaker. The former told People:
I learned that people can heal. I learned that people can change, that people can get help. I learned that everyone deserves respect. And that people deserve second chances, third chances, fourth chances. That none of us are infallible.
When asked about the$425 million rich Gibson, Garfield gushed:
He’s done a lot of beautiful healing with himself. Thank God. Because he’s an amazing filmmaker, and I think he deserves to make films.
Now, let’s not overlook Gibson’slengthy apologyfollowing his 2006 fiasco. He owned up to his past mistakes and expressed genuine regret for his hurtful comments, stressing that “there is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of antisemitic remark.”
“I once found myself in a tricky situation that nearly derailed my career”, Gibson once recounted in anEsquireinterview.
I was drunk in the back of a police car and I said some stupid sh*t, and all of a sudden: blacklisted. I’m the poster boy for canceled.
Garfield described (via People) Gibson, 68, as“a visceral storyteller,”and it’s easy to see why.
Fans Rally Behind Andrew Garfield: A Call for Mel Gibson’s Second Chance
Andrew Garfield’s call for compassion truly resonates, especially when we think about the redemption journey ofRobert Downey Jr.(aka RDJ). After battling addiction and legal issues, the latter is now a cherished figure in Hollywood.
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TheIron Manstar, 59, earlier threw his support behind Gibson, believing that the latter has “changed so much”since his infamous outburst. In an interview withDeadline, Downey Jr. shared a surprising tidbit: he would only consider reprising his role in a fourthIron Manfilm if Gibson were at the helm:
Nobody should make a case for somebody who just wants forgiveness but hasn’t changed. But he’s a fundamentally different guy.
Downey describedMad Maxstar as“a great, great collaborative guy” and noted that he’s the first to own up to his faults.
And the fans are on board with this sentiment, too! Here are some of the reactions:
The crazy thing I don’t get is RDJ struggled with addiction, went to jail & now rebuilt & loved universally.Mel also struggles with addiction & was caught on camera under the influence & worked on himself too but can be forgived I don’t get it
Mel Gibson is awesome.
I think most people have forgiven Gibson… W Andrew as always.
Andrew Garfield means that “People can grow and heal” here.
Like it or not, Mel Gibson is a bold, visionary, risk-taking filmmaker. His contributions have reshaped cinema. For me, art transcends outrage. The purity test culture is exhausting.
Looks like the fans are rooting for second chances for Gibson just as much as Garfield and Downey Jr. The director’s forthcoming project,Flight Risk,is set to hit theaters in January 2025. It’s a thriller starring Mark Wahlberg. Gibson has been eager to get back in the director’s chair, and fans are excited to see what he has in store.
As for Downey’s own struggles, from 1996 to 2001, he was no stranger to run-ins with the law (seeTIME), facing multiple arrests over drug-related charges.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3308
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
