Mel Gibson poised to be welcomed back into the Hollywood fold after 10-year 'prison sentence' for his anti-Semitic slurs

  • Oscar winner Mel Gibson is poised for a comeback as a Tinseltown director
  • Star, 60, has directed Hacksaw Ridge - a World War Two-inspired movie 
  • Jewish producer sung Gibson's praises after working with him on the film
  • In 2006, the Oscar-winner made anti-Semitic slurs after a DUI arrest

By Gareth Davies For Mailonline

Published: 03:08 EST, 13 October 2016 | Updated: 09:08 EST, 13 October 2016

Mel Gibson is set to be be welcomed back into the Hollywood fold after a 10-year 'prison sentence' for anti-Semitic slurs. 

The American actor, 60, had struggled to win over producers and directors in Tinseltown after he made defamatory statements about Jews to an officer who arrested him on a DUI charge in July 2006.

But after teaming up with a gay Jewish producer, David Permut, to direct World War Two-themed Hacksaw Ridge, the door looks set to be left ajar for the Oscar winner after being in so-called 'director's jail' for a decade.

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Mel Gibson - pictured receiving the Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award at the 5th Annual Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA's) 2008 at the Gaiety Theater in Dublin - is closer to being welcomed back into the Hollywood fold after a 10-year 'prison sentence' for anti-Semitic remarks

Mel Gibson - pictured receiving the Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award at the 5th Annual Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA's) 2008 at the Gaiety Theater in Dublin - is closer to being welcomed back into the Hollywood fold after a 10-year 'prison sentence' for anti-Semitic remarks

The new movie about a conscientious objector in the war was described by The Hollywood Reporter's (THR) David Rooney as a 'forceful comeback … that succeeds in combining horror with grace'. 

Producer Permut told THR decided to put prejudice to one side and get to know Gibson. 

'Believe me, there were conversations I had with people who were questioning me about going down the path with Mel,' he said.

'But he's not the person some people interpret him to be on the surface. 

'Ask anyone involved with this film - above the line, below the line - they all revered him. 

'The crew would lay in front of the tracks for Mel. 

'It was an amazing experience and a learning experience for me because I got to know the man whom I never really knew.'

'I think Mel has been misunderstood by people who may not know him, but nobody can take his talent away. 

'Ultimately, I think time heals.'

The American actor, 60, had struggled to win over producers and directors in Tinseltown after he hurled defamatory statements about Jews at an officer who arrested him on a DUI charge in July 2006
Mel Gibson Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson is pictured in this Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department booking photograph taken July 28, 2006 after he was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Infuence (DUI) in Malibu, California

The American actor, 60, had struggled to win over producers and directors in Tinseltown after he made defamatory slurs about Jews at an officer who arrested him on a DUI charge in July 2006 - pictured right is his mugshot

It is Gibson's first foray behind the camera since Apocalypto, which opened just four months after his anti-Semitic disgrace. 

At the time, Ari Emanuel, then at Endeavour, wrote an open letter telling the industry it could not allow Gibson to get away with 'such tragically inflammatory statements', and later dumped him as a client. 

The Braveheart star came out publicly and apologized in the aftermath of the DUI arrest, denouncing his comments, but the damage was done. 

Owing to his latest film, his talents are poised to do the talking. 

Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing and distribution at Warner Bros, told THR: 'I've known Mel for many years, and his talents as a filmmaker are undeniable.

'He is a gifted storyteller and has created some really exceptional films.'

Among those chasing the reformed star are said to be CAA and UTA, now managed by Rick Nicita. 

As of yet, Emanuel's WME has not shown an interest. 

Though the agency represents Gibson's partner, Rosalind Ross, who is pregnant with his ninth child.    

 

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