Exclusive: John Wick Spinoff Producer Sparks Controversy with Bold Casting Choice of Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson's controversial past under scrutiny as producer defends his casting in John Wick spinoff
The Continental executive producers Basil Iwanyk and Albert Hughes discuss the reasoning behind casting Mel Gibson in the John Wick spinoff show, despite his controversial history. With the success of four Keanu Reeves-led films, the John Wick franchise is expanding with the prequel series The Continental. Set in the 1970s, the upcoming three-part Peacock TV show follows a young Winston as he begins his employment at the New York branch of the hotel chain, overseen by Gibson's character, Cormac.
In an interview with IGN, Iwanyk and Hughes address any concerns about Gibson's past controversies and defend their decision to cast him in the show. Iwanyk promptly dismisses any hesitation, stating, "No," and clarifies that it was not a factor taken into consideration. Hughes provides a more detailed explanation. Read Hughes' statement below:
He was the perfect fit for the role based on his previous work in films. I prefer not to delve into the other aspects as it is a complex matter and I don't want my words to be taken out of context for clickbait purposes. In the past, I may not have been as cautious, but now I understand the importance of being mindful.
However, there is a certain gravitas that he brought to the table, derived from his past roles and accomplishments, which was exactly what we needed for this particular role. I truly believe that no one else could have fit the character better, considering his talent and experience.
Mel Gibson's Past Controversies Explained
In 2006, Gibson faced a significant controversy when he was arrested for a DUI. It was during this arrest that he expressed anti-Semitic sentiments, which were captured on video and later made public. Among his remarks, Gibson stated, "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world!" Reflecting on the incident in 2016, the actor referred to it as an unfortunate event, while asserting that he has never discriminated against anyone.
Gibson has faced yet another controversy, this time involving Stranger Things actor Winona Ryder. In 2020, Ryder reiterated previous claims that Gibson had made homophobic remarks towards her friend at a party during the 1990s. To make matters worse, Gibson also referred to Ryder as an "over-dodger," making a derogatory reference to her Jewish heritage. Despite these controversies, Gibson's career has recently seen a resurgence with successful projects such as Dragged Across Concrete and the Oscar-nominated Hacksaw Ridge. It remains to be seen how audiences will react to Gibson's upcoming role in The Continental, set to be released this September.
