In a stunning turn of events, Hollywood veteran Mel Gibson has reportedly turned down a $100 million offer from Netflix to star alongside fellow acting legend Robert De Niro.
The rejection, however, was far from cordial, with Gibson allegedly stating, “Keep that woke clown away from me,” in reference to De Niro. The news has ignited widespread controversy and debate across social media and the entertainment industry.
The deal, according to insiders, was for a high-stakes action drama that Netflix hoped would become a tentpole project for their streaming platform. With two iconic actors at the helm, the project was seen as a guaranteed success.
However, Gibson’s fiery rejection not only nixed the deal but also highlighted a growing divide among Hollywood elites.
Gibson’s apparent disdain for De Niro stems from their starkly different political and cultural views. While De Niro has been an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump and an advocate for progressive causes, Gibson has often aligned himself with more conservative values.
This ideological clash seems to have fueled Gibson’s strong words, as he reportedly refused to even entertain the idea of working with De Niro.
The fallout has been immediate. Social media exploded with reactions, with some praising Gibson for “standing his ground” against what they perceive as Hollywood’s “woke agenda,” while others criticized him for perpetuating division and attacking a fellow actor.
“Mel Gibson is just bitter. De Niro is a legend, and this was a chance to create something incredible,” one Twitter user wrote. Meanwhile, a supporter tweeted, “Good for Mel. Hollywood needs to stop catering to this nonsense.”
Netflix has remained tight-lipped about the situation, issuing a brief statement that neither confirmed nor denied the reports. “We remain committed to creating compelling stories with diverse talents,” the company stated. Whether the project will move forward without Gibson or be shelved entirely remains unclear.
Industry insiders suggest the fallout could have lasting implications for both actors. While De Niro continues to enjoy critical acclaim and steady work, Gibson’s career has been marked by controversy, including past allegations of racism, sexism, and antisemitism.
Despite these controversies, Gibson has managed to stage a comeback in recent years, directing and starring in successful projects like Hacksaw Ridge. However, his latest remarks may reignite debates about his place in Hollywood.
On the other hand, De Niro, though celebrated for his storied career, has also faced criticism for his blunt political commentary, which some say alienates certain audiences.
The clash between the two actors underscores a broader cultural battle in Hollywood, where personal politics increasingly intersect with professional opportunities.
The $100 million offer also raises questions about Netflix’s strategy. The streaming giant has invested heavily in big-name talent to drive subscriptions, but controversies like this one could backfire.
“This situation is a PR nightmare,” one media analyst noted. “You’ve got two titans of the industry, but their personal animosities are overshadowing the creative potential of the project.”
As for Gibson, his rejection of such a lucrative deal sends a clear message that he prioritizes personal principles—or grudges—over financial incentives.
For De Niro, the incident may have little impact, as his reputation as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors remains intact.
The entertainment world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if this feud escalates further or if Netflix can salvage the project with a new direction. Either way, the drama surrounding this deal has already provided more headlines than the film itself might have delivered.
For now, fans of both actors are left wondering what might have been if these two icons could have set their differences aside for the sake of cinema.