“RDJ struggled with addiction, went to jail..”: Andrew Garfield is Right, Mel Gibson Deserves a Second Chance After Being Blacklisted For Years

SUMMARY

• Andrew Garfield is supporting Mel Gibson, arguing that everyone deserves a chance for redemption despite their past mistakes.
• Garfield reflects on his collaboration with Gibson during Hacksaw Ridge, emphasizing that people can heal and change.
• There’s a growing sentiment among fans advocating for Gibson's second chance.

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!

Andrew Garfield in One Mighty and Strong (2022) | Credit: FX Networks

Garfield, who collaborated with Gibson in Hacksaw 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 on Mel Gibson’s tumultuous journey through Hollywood, contended that everyone deserves a chance at redemption. In a recent interview with People, the former expressed that Gibson “deserves to make films” and has “done a lot of beautiful healing with himself”.

For context: Gibson’s career took a nosedive after his infamous DUI arrest (see EW) in 2006, during which he made some rather regrettable comments. Garfield, who starred in Gibson’s 2016 war drama Hacksaw Ridge, reflected on what he learned while working with the filmmaker. The former told People:

Mel Gibson in The Continental: From the World of John Wick | Credit: Peacock

When asked about the $425 million rich Gibson, Garfield gushed:

Now, let’s not overlook Gibson’s lengthy apology following 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 an Esquire interview. 

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

Robert Downey Jr. in Oppenheimer | Credit: Universal Pictures

Andrew Garfield’s call for compassion truly resonates, especially when we think about the redemption journey of Robert Downey Jr. (aka RDJ). After battling addiction and legal issues, the latter is now a cherished figure in Hollywood. 

The Iron Man star, 59, earlier threw his support behind Gibson, believing that the latter has “changed so much” since his infamous outburst. In an interview with Deadline, Downey Jr. shared a surprising tidbit: he would only consider reprising his role in a fourth Iron Man film if Gibson were at the helm:

Downey described Mad Max star as “a great, great collaborative guy” and noted that he’s the first to own up to his faults.

Mel Gibson in The Professor and the Madman (2019) | Credit: Vertical Entertainment

And the fans are on board with this sentiment, too! Here are some of the reactions:

Mel Gibson is awesome.

Agreed 😌👍

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 (see TIME), facing multiple arrests over drug-related charges.

Written by Siddhika Prajapati

Articles Published: 2123