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Andrew Garfield is right, Mel Gibson deserves a second chance after being blacklisted for years

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Andrew Garfield is right, Mel Gibson deserves a second chance after being blacklisted for years

Mel Gibson has certainly been a lightning rod for critics in Hollywood. However, in the midst of the drama, Andrew Garfield stands to defend a more compassionate view of the actor-director. And honestly, it’s about time someone did!

Andrew Garfield supports Mel Gibson, arguing that everyone deserves a chance at redemption despite their past mistakes.
Andrew Garfield a A mighty and strong one (2022) | Credit: FX Networks

Garfield, who collaborated with Gibson on Hacksaw Ridgerecently shared her perspective on her work relationship. He noted that they had “deep and important conversations” during filming. Now, given Gibson’s notorious past, specifically the anti-Semitic comments he made in 2006, one might think Garfield might tread lightly. But no, she bravely defended Gibson, describing him as respectful and kind on set.

Andrew Garfield advocates for the Redemption of Mel Gibson

Reflecting on Mel Gibson’s tumultuous journey through Hollywood, Andrew Garfield said everyone deserves a chance at redemption. In a recent interview with People, the former expressed that Gibson “deserves to make movies” and has “he did 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 pretty unfortunate comments. Garfield, who starred in Gibson’s 2016 war drama Hacksaw Ridgereflected 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 is infallible.

Garfield reflects on his collaboration with Gibson during Hacksaw Ridge, emphasizing that people can heal and change.
Mel Gibson enters The Continental: From the world of John Wick | Credit: Peacock

When asked about the $425 million wealthy Gibson, Garfield said:

He has done many beautiful healings with himself. thank god Because he’s an amazing filmmaker, and I think he deserves to make movies.

Now, let’s not overlook Gibson’s lengthy apology after his 2006 fiasco. He acknowledged his past mistakes and expressed genuine regret for his bad comments, stressing that “there is no excuse, and there should be no tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic comment.”

“I once found myself in a difficult situation that almost derailed my career”Gibson once explained in an interview with Esquire.

I was drunk in the back of a police car and I said stupid shit, and all of a sudden: blacklisted. I’m the canceled poster.

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. he recently won an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer | Universal Pictures
Robert Downey Jr. a Oppenheimer | Credit: Universal Pictures

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

The Iron Man star, 59, previously threw his support behind Gibson, believing the latter has “it has changed so much” since his infamous outburst. In an interview with Deadline, Downey Jr. shared a surprising detail: she would only consider reprising her role in a quarter Iron Man movie if Gibson were in charge:

No one should file a case for someone who just wants forgiveness but hasn’t changed. But he’s a fundamentally different guy.

Downey described Mad Max star like “A great, great contributor guy” and pointed out that he is the first to admit his faults.

There is a growing sentiment among fans advocating for Gibson's second chance.
Mel Gibson enters The teacher and the madman (2019) | Credit: Vertical Entertainment

And the fans agree with this sentiment too! Here are some of the reactions:

Fans seem to be looking for second chances for Gibson as much as Garfield and Downey Jr. The director’s next project, flight risk, hits theaters in January 2025. It’s a thriller starring Mark Wahlberg. Gibson has been eager to get back into the director’s chair, and fans are excited to see what he has in store.

As for Downey’s struggles, from 1996 to 2001 he was no stranger to run-ins with the law (see TIME), facing multiple arrests on drug-related charges.

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