The real dad vs step dad battle has rarely been funnier since Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell went toe-to-toe for the 2015 comedy Daddy's Home. With a cast that boasted the likes of Bill Burr, Hannibal Buress and John Cena, the film took home $240.4m at the box office. And, while a sequel is in the works, the studio has earmarked none other than Mel Gibson to come into the fold.
The Hacksaw Ridge director is back in the spotlight after essentially being blacklisted from major events following his anti-Semitic rants that put a hold on his career. Seeing his action biopic nominated across the Golden Globes, SAG and Academy Awards, it appears as though Gibson is back into the mainstream again.
Gibson v Lithgow In Battle of the Oldies
Whereas the first title pitted Wahlberg's tough guy against the soft and caring Ferrell, the second installment is said to replicate this conflict in the older generation. Gibson will take on the Wahlberg persona, as Screen Actors Guild winner John Lithgow does likewise as the nurturer of the family.
Fresh from his success for his work on The Crown, 71-year old Lithgow will link up with the controversial performer who, at one point, was denied a cameo to appear on The Hangover: Part II due to his scandal in 2011. Seeing Liam Neeson replace him. This was particularly notable for a franchise that used Mike Tyson in a similar role previously.
Sean Anders will return as a writer-director for the follow up that will include co-writer John Morris as part of the production. The rest of the cast is yet to become official, having made the announcement over a sequel back in April 2016.
Peers Jump To Mel's Defense Over Character
All is far from forgiven. Yet a number of his colleagues have gone public to say that the perception he created for himself over a decade ago does not reflect reality. The 61-year old's partner gave birth to his ninth child last week. And, as the actor returns to the big stage, his peers have come out to defend Gibson.
Danny Glover remarked, "I think I know Mel, in his heart, and I think he’s not the way he’s been characterized." Director Richard Donner also had nothing but praise to say, "I’ve never heard Mel say a bad word in regards to race or religion. And there were opportunities where I, who was born Jewish, was ready to blow up at somebody (who’s also Jewish) and might have used some terrible (anti-Semitic) expression. Mel’s always been in control of his passions and his emotions."
Comments