Leonardo DiCaprio Pulls Out of Mel Gibson Viking Movie

**Prince** · 07-29-2010, 08:29 AM

Leonardo DiCaprio Pulls Out of Mel Gibson Viking Movie

'Not a chance,' a source close to DiCaprio reportedly says.
By Gil Kaufman

As the controversy over Mel Gibson's rage-fueled rant tapes and domestic violence probe continue to unfold, the site that has leaked those shocking recordings, RadarOnline.com reported that one of the "Lethal Weapon" actor's upcoming projects has lost its leading man.

"Inception" star Leonardo DiCaprio has reportedly withdrawn from a planned movie chronicling the exploits of Viking warriors that Gibson was slated to direct. "Not a chance," said an unnamed source close to DiCaprio.

The site claimed that the latest setback to Gibson's once-blockbuster Hollywood career — he was dropped by his longtime talent agency in the wake of the tape scandal — is another signal that the actor/director may have difficulty bouncing back from his latest scandal and regain his once high-flying star status.

The Viking film would have been DiCaprio's first project with Gibson, but the unnamed source said that the meticulous actor — who has avoided a major public scandal during his nearly 20-year long career in movies — did not want to risk his reputation by being associated with Gibson.

"Leo has earned the right to pick and choose who he works with, and Mel Gibson is not one of them," the source reportedly said. A spokesperson for DiCaprio could not be reached for comment at press time. The untitled Viking movie was being co-produced by Gibson's Icon Productions and was slated to begin shooting in the fall.

DiCaprio recently spoke to MTV News about his desire to make a Viking epic with Gibson saying, "I've always wanted to do Viking Story. I'm a big history buff and I don't think there's been a really fantastic Viking film ever made. Those were some of the most barbaric people ever in history. I'd love to see Mel Gibson's version of that. Certainly with 'Apocalypto' and some of the other films he's made he's been able to transport me back in time unlike very many filmmakers have been able to ... I'd love to see what he does with that subject matter."

In addition to the embarrassment over the racist, sexist and violent language on the tapes, Gibson is being investigated for alleged domestic violence and child endangerment over claims that he struck ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva while she was holding the couple's then two-month old baby. Detectives from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department are also looking into claims that Grigorieva attempted to extort money from Gibson by threatening to release the tapes.

Gibson's spokesperson could not be reached for comment on the DiCaprio news; the spokesperson also has not denied that the breathless, rage-fueled voice on the tapes is Gibson.

The meltdown of Gibson's personal life has had a major impact on his public one as well, putting his upcoming projects into limbo. Among the movies currently in a holding pattern is the Jodie Foster-directed "The Beaver," a $20 million PG-13 dramedy in which Gibson plays a depressed CEO who can only communicate with his family through a beaver hand puppet. According to E! Online, the film just recently got a rating from the MPAA, but the studio behind it has not yet decided on a release date.

Also unknown is the fate of "How I Spent My Summer Vacation," which his still in production and features Gibson portraying a career criminal who survives in a Mexican prison thanks to the help of a young boy. Gibson is credited as the script author and producer on "Summer," which reportedly began filming in April, but has not gotten a release date yet.

Do you think Gibson's career can survive this scandal? Would you go see a new movie from Mel? Leave your comments below.

**I Are Baboon** · 07-29-2010, 08:32 AM

Mel Gibson...what a goofy fella.

**Prince** · 07-29-2010, 08:41 AM

Leonardo has turned into quite the studly dude and great actor, I hated him back when he did Titanic, now he is one of my favorite actors and I see every movie he makes.

**I Are Baboon** · 07-29-2010, 09:02 AM

I think they should do a movie about this guy:

**KelJu** · 07-29-2010, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by Prince

Leonardo has turned into quite the studly dude and great actor, I hated him back when he did Titanic, now he is one of my favorite actors and I see every movie he makes.

The dude Rocks! The Departed, Gangs of New York, The Basketball Diaries, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape are some of my favorite movies.

I also didn't care for Titanic. I thought the movie sucked. He has a tremendous amount of talent. I cant; wait to see what the does in the future.

**Prince** · 07-29-2010, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by KelJu

The dude Rocks! The Departed, Gangs of New York, The Basketball Diaries, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape are some of my favorite movies.

I also didn't care for Titanic. I thought the movie sucked. He has a tremendous amount of talent. I cant; wait to see what the does in the future.

his current movie, Inception is #1 at the box office, I have not seen it yet though.

**MyK** · 07-29-2010, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Prince

his current movie, Inception is #1 at the box office, I have not seen it yet though.

everyone is raving over it. and I agree leo is a great actor. from basket ball diaries to shutter island...

**bio-chem** · 07-29-2010, 11:47 AM

Inception is bad ass. if you haven't seen it pay your 8 dollars and enjoy the ride. you will want to see it again as soon as you exit the theater.

All of this will blow over with Mel Gibson. No worries. that guy is Teflon assuming he pulls his head out his ass long enough to stay out of the media for a couple months. things die down he makes another movie and boat loads of money and people will be grabbing his ass again

**busyLivin** · 07-29-2010, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Prince

he is one of my favorite actors and I see every movie he makes.

Agreed. I'm seeing inception tonight.

**Muscle_Girl** · 07-29-2010, 11:54 AM

The same with Dicaprio, Gibson has made some fantastic movies. Everyone says shit they don't mean in a rage, his was unfortunately caught on tape. I look forward to any new movies he directs and/or stars in.

**busyLivin** · 07-29-2010, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Muscle_Girl

The same with Dicaprio, Gibson has made some fantastic movies. Everyone says shit they don't mean in a rage, his was unfortunately caught on tape. I look forward to any new movies he directs and/or stars in.

Same here, I'd still definitely see anything Gibson directs or stars in.

**ROID** · 07-29-2010, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by Prince

his current movie, Inception is #1 at the box office, I have not seen it yet though.

It's worth the price of the movie ticket. We watched it a couple weeks ago.

I actually liked "Salt" a little better. we watch a lot of movies now. Next will be marriage

**Zaphod** · 07-29-2010, 07:53 PM

Perhaps Decaprio just wasn't physically "there" to play the part of a Viking.

**DOMS** · 07-29-2010, 07:59 PM

Partial quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Leonardo DiCaprio Pulls Out of Mel Gibson

**Zaphod** · 07-29-2010, 08:21 PM

**Little Wing** · 07-29-2010, 08:37 PM

maybe it's just a bad bet to put a lot of time into a movie with a guy that's apparently coming unglued.

**busyLivin** · 07-30-2010, 07:02 AM

I really liked Inception.. really unique story.

**SYN** · 07-30-2010, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by Prince

Leonardo has turned into quite the studly dude and great actor, I hated him back when he did Titanic, now he is one of my favorite actors and I see every movie he makes.

When he was like 12 (I might have been 6) or whatever and all the little girls were crazy about him I HATED him. I couldn't understand why everyone liked him so damn much and just thought it was retarded and so was he.

I don't know anything about him other than what rolls he chooses to do and not to, but judging by the ones he takes, he's a pretty respectable human being.

And Mel Gibson is a psychotic troll.

**AKIRA** · 07-30-2010, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by SYN

When he was like 12 (I might have been 6) or whatever and all the little girls were crazy about him I HATED him. I couldn't understand why everyone liked him so damn much and just thought it was retarded and so was he.

I don't know anything about him other than what rolls he chooses to do and not to, but judging by the ones he takes, he's a pretty respectable human being.

And Mel Gibson is a psychotic troll.

Because little girls are little idiots. They watch a movie and fall in love with the story's character. Characters are objects...shit, even less cause they dont really exist.

Currently, idiotic girls are in love with Edward from the made-for-tv-into-a-movie about sparking vamps. However, Ive seen 2 interviews where the ACTOR is talking about banging girls. Hes a dime a dozen male.

**maniclion** · 07-30-2010, 04:19 PM

People like to give Leo demerits for Titanic, but that movie put him in the spotlight, if all he had to go on was Basketball Diaries, Total Eclipse and Gilbert Grape I think his career would have suffered, not that they weren't great parts but they are not as popular movies. I think he has locked in on the Hollywood formula, a few artsy movies to catch the eye of people in the biz and then a romantic blockbuster to endear yourself in the hearts of the female populous and then a few hardcore man movies to win the male audiences....now he can do anything....

Don't forget he did Romeo and Juliet and then Titanic those movies launched him into the aethersphere where celebrity legends reside....

**Little Wing** · 07-30-2010, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by AKIRA

Because little girls are little idiots. They watch a movie and fall in love with the story's character. Characters are objects...shit, even less cause they dont really exist.

Currently, idiotic girls are in love with Edward from the made-for-tv-into-a-movie about sparking vamps. However, Ive seen 2 interviews where the ACTOR is talking about banging girls. Hes a dime a dozen male.

i know young married age women and not so young that like that edward guy. it's ridiculous.

**maniclion** · 07-30-2010, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by SYN

When he was like 12 (I might have been 6) or whatever and all the little girls were crazy about him I HATED him. I couldn't understand why everyone liked him so damn much and just thought it was retarded and so was he.

I don't know anything about him other than what rolls he chooses to do and not to, but judging by the ones he takes, he's a pretty respectable human being.

And Mel Gibson is a psychotic troll.

He also walks the eco-friendly walk instead of just talking(advocating), he has a hybrid and put solar on his house, plus some other stuff I read but can't remember...

**maniclion** · 07-30-2010, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by Little Wing

i know young married age women and not so young that like that edward guy. it's ridiculous.

He's the one who played Salvador Dali in 'Little Ashes' about Garcia Lorca.... I like that movie, DiCaprio played Arthur Rimbaud, that endeared me to him. Robert Pattinson is doing the exact same formula, the artsy film (Little Ashes) and then the romantic blockbuster now he has the harder movie coming up, a western where he is kidnapped and raised as a Comanche warrior, he speaks Comanche throughout the movie....

**AKIRA** · 07-30-2010, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by Little Wing

i know young married age women and not so young that like that edward guy. it's ridiculous.

I didnt want to blow the fish out of the water, but when I was 23 I dated a woman a decade older than I and she was just as derranged as teenage girls. Saying they mature with age is bullshit and this is not gender specific.

**DOMS** · 07-30-2010, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by AKIRA

I didnt want to blow the fish out of the water, but when I was 23 I dated a woman a decade older than I and she was just as derranged as teenage girls. Saying they mature with age is bullshit and this is not gender specific.

That's one of the harsh realities of life: most people don't grow up.

**AKIRA** · 07-30-2010, 08:53 PM

Its good and bad. Good is that they can be young at heart. Bad being swept away with a life that is blatantly fictional.

I remember reading about Romantic Comedies being the death of chivalry in men, thus destroying relationships everywhere cuz it paints an unrealistic picture.

**DOMS** · 07-30-2010, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by AKIRA

Its good and bad. Good is that they can be young at heart. Bad being swept away with a life that is blatantly fictional.

I remember reading about Romantic Comedies being the death of chivalry in men, thus destroying relationships everywhere cuz it paints an unrealistic picture.

I'm not talking about being a kid at heart. Hell, I still watch cartoons.

I'm talking about being a rational adult. I see too many adults playing the same stupid games that we played in high school.

**KelJu** · 07-30-2010, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by DOMS

That's one of the harsh realities of life: most people don't grow up.

I hit 40 at 18, and then started going backwards. I am approaching my teenage angst years from the other direction. I'll be shitting my pants and playing with my penis in the bathtub in only a few years at this rate.

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