Andrew Garfield, who starred in the 2016 World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge directed by Mel Gibson, has come to the filmmaker’s defense, stating that Gibson deserves to continue making films despite his past controversies. Gibson, whose career took a major hit following his 2006 arrest during which he made antisemitic and racist comments, has faced years of public scrutiny. However, Garfield believes in second chances and has seen personal growth in Gibson.
At a glance:
- Andrew Garfield praised Mel Gibson for his personal growth since his 2006 controversy, saying the filmmaker has done “a lot of beautiful healing.”
- Garfield believes people deserve opportunities to learn from their mistakes and that Gibson still has powerful stories to tell.
- Mel Gibson is set to direct Flight Risk in 2025, continuing his work despite past backlash.
Garfield, who is Jewish, spoke about his time working with Gibson on Hacksaw Ridge and how the experience shaped his perspective on people’s capacity for change. He emphasized that everyone makes mistakes and that healing is possible for those willing to put in the work. “I learned that people can heal. I learned that people can change, that people can get help,” Garfield said. “I learned that everyone deserves respect. And that people deserve second chances, third chances, fourth chances. None of us are infallible.”
He continued to praise Gibson’s filmmaking talents and compassionate nature, saying that Gibson “deserves to make films” because of his “very, very big, compassionate heart.” Garfield described the director as deeply empathetic, often moved to tears while behind the camera, and as a person with an innate ability to connect emotionally with the stories he tells.
Gibson’s career has slowly rebounded after his 2006 scandal, with the actor and director issuing a public apology to the Jewish community for his harmful remarks. “There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of antisemitic remark,” Gibson said at the time. He acknowledged that his words carried significant weight in the public arena and took full responsibility for his actions.
Gibson has received public support from other actors, including Robert Downey Jr. and Jodie Foster, who have also vouched for his personal growth and his talent as a filmmaker. Now, with Garfield joining their ranks, it appears that Gibson has earned a degree of forgiveness in Hollywood.
Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Gibson has continued to work steadily in the film industry. His upcoming project, Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace, and Michelle Dockery, is slated for release in early 2025. The film marks another step in Gibson’s ongoing return to directing, with Garfield and others supporting his right to continue his work.
For Garfield, the belief in healing and redemption is clear. “He’s done a lot of beautiful healing with himself,” Garfield said. “And thank God. Because he’s an amazing filmmaker, and I think he deserves to make films.”