'Hangover' Director Says Mel Gibson Wasn't Fired

By PopEater Staff Posted Oct 28th 2010 06:29AM

Director Todd Phillips is currently denying reports that Mel Gibson was fired from his cameo role in the 'Hangover' sequel.

"No one was ever fired. It's a term that is so obscene to me," he said at a press event for his new film, 'Due Date,' PEOPLE reports.

"Someone was doing me a favor to come in for a two-minute cameo, and we changed it. It wasn't like we fired somebody. [Gibson] was just doing a favor from the beginning," Phillips added.

Liam Neeson has since been cast in the small role.

Phillips released a statement last week after Gibson was cut: "I thought Mel would have been great in the movie and I had the full backing of Jeff Robinov and his team. But I realize filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and this decision ultimately did not have the full support of my entire cast and crew."

It's been speculated that Zach Galifianakis may have been the reason Gibson was forced out of the sequel. Speaking on the Comedy Death-Ray podcast last week, Galifianakis said, "A movie you're acting in, you don't have a lot of control -- you just show up and vomit your lines out. I'm not the boss. I'm in a deep protest right now with a movie I'm working on, up in arms about something. But I can't get the guys to [listen] ... I'm not making any leeway."

Pressed for details, the 41-year-old laughmaster wouldn't identify 'The Hangover 2' or Mel Gibson by name, but added: "It has something to do with a movie I'm working on, yeah. I'll tell you about it later. It's very frustrating."

Tags: mel gibson, the hangover 2

Comments

(36)

Thursday 28 October

By Apostate

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"It's a term that's so obscene for me."

Translation: "I prefer that any of these synonyms be used instead-'canned','axed','terminated','dismissed' or 'ejected'-to delude myself into thinking I'll sleep better at night."

Used the wrong preposition in citing the actual quote....Mea culpa.

By BTDT

Hollywood is just slopping over with douche bags.
Got a feeling this movie is going to bomb.

By JM

Its Funny when the guy was barly Famous he had no Problems working with Mike Tyson who bites ears, beats women, serves jail time, gets accused of rape.

By hollywoodman323

He was more than just accused, Tyson was Convicted of Rape.

By georgie

That is ok. I thought The Hangover was far over-rated, and can easily make it through the rest of my life without seeing Hangover 2, as well as, Due Date. I am a Robert Downy Jr. fan, but Zach has a one act shtick. He is always the same in every movie.

By mannequin

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Okay. We can call it whatever you like, as long as Melsy doesn't get his feelings hurt. Or mad.

By TLC

One way to stay in the limelight, if you're nothing more than a fat, greasy, 40 year old stoner, join the lynch mob that's ruined a great directors career.

By Barbara

Let go and fired are one and the same so don't expect me to believe that Mel Gibson wasn't fired. Maybe they didn't give him the "pink slip" but they still canned him. Stop trying to wiggle your way out of it. I didn't see Hangover 1 and I don't plan on seeing the sequel anyway. Today's movies are all worthy of the garbage dumpster and not worth the price.

By Bob

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Why do dis-like dumpsters ?

By Victor

I guess this director must be as big a bigot and jew hater as Gibson

By kelly

Liar, liar, liar. You fired him and you know it. The cast did not want him in the film fearing the way people feel about him right now. Chicken. I like Liam also, but Mel probably would have been better.

By Luz

It is ok Zach, or whatever is your last name You are just beginning in the field and you already think you can swing your likes and dislikes, prejudice, etc. Mel has contributed so much more in the industry, so for you to humiliate him, barring his character mistakes, and who is pefect, you?, shows your true character. This is the end of Hangover for me. Thank you!

By wally staff

are you really sure it was not Mel who said whooooa, not me, i don't want it?

By wally

Good for Mel, what a great way to get out of a bomb of a movie.

By les

why does hollywood always have to gloss over things
we are glad someone finally said NO to mel , the drunken bigot.
stand up and be proud --he doesnt have the power that he thinks he has . now make him go away . bad behavior sucks

By Jean

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Mel is a marvelous actor, has given the majority of the world a lot of enjoyment. Unfortunately, he has a personal problem that crops up, that is a whole different area that HE has to address hopefully he can get some 'real' professional help. I do not think if he capable of making a movie that opportunity should be denied to him OR the people who enjoy seeing him in films.

Friday 29 October

By Denise

Mel is sooooooooo sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mel is'nt gonna sweat this "Hangover2" switcharoo.......

By Stanley

Why does anyone care about Mel Gibson's personal views. Actors and actresses are simply people doing a job, and what they believe in their personal lives is their business. Lots of big name actors have unpopular views, such as Tom Cruise, who is a member of Scientology, which many regard as a fanatical cult. The only consideration concerning Mel Gibson as an actor is whether or not he is a good actor, and he is one of the best.

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