Posted on 07/29/2010 3:55:40 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Leonardo DiCaprio is withdrawing from a Mel Gibson-directed flick about vikings in the wake of the domestic abuse scandal, RadarOnline.com has exclusively confirmed.
“Not a chance,” said a source, close to the Inception star, when asked if he was still planning to star in Gibson’s next project.
The decision is a major setback for the Oscar-winning actor/director, who is facing allegations of domestic abuse and child endangerment.
It also lends support to critics who are suggesting Mel won’t be able to recover from the Oksana Grigorieva scandal.
Oksana, 40, has accused Gibson, 54, of punching her in the face twice as she held their infant daughter Lucia during a domestic dispute at his Malibu mansion on January 6.
After allegedly hitting Oksana on the head and mouth, she has claimed, Mel then choked her.
Detectives from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department detectives are investigating the allegation along with Mel’s claim that Oksana tried to extort him with threats of a scandal.
Mel was interviewed on Sunday but refused to answer questions about the incident, citing his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Mel’s profane-laced rants, recorded by Oksana and obtained by RadarOnline.com, are laced with racial slurs -- including the N-word -- and demands for repeated sexual favors.
The viking film was to be DiCaprio’s first picture with Mel.
A source close to DiCaprio said the star, who is currently basking in the release of his wildly acclaimed box-office topping movie Inception, did not want to risk his reputation, with being associated with Mel.
“Leo has earned the right to pick and choose who he works with and Mel Gibson is not one of them,” the source added.
The as-yet untitled project is being produced by Graham King and Mel’s Icon Productions.
Variety had previously reported DiCaprio had long been fascinated by Viking culture and was poised to play one in a storyline that will be as unsparing as Mel’s other hit period directing efforts, Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto.
Before DiCaprio’s withdrawal, shooting was slated to begin in fall 2010.
Comment is being sought from DiCaprio.
DiCaprio cant think for himself. He is a moron.
Going to work for Stone?
In reply, Mel buried a broad ax in Leonardo’s skull.
But I bet Mr. DiCaprio would be perfectly willing to work in Roman Polanski film.
What an azz. DiCaprio in a movie about Vikings? ROTFLMAO! What was he going to play? A Viking girl?
LOL ....albeit “Roman Polanski” is his hero........
Hollyweird is total trash these days. No class at all.
Doom on em all !
Seems to be thinking for himself pretty well. Gibson’s life chaos is sure to effect the schedule of the movie if not the quality. And with as well as DiCaprio’s career is going there’s simply no reason for him to risk his schedule working a person that right now is a bad PR machine. This is the smart move.
Good!
The movie is already going to be better.
Maybe Mel will pick a male lead this time.
LOL
Do you think it’s moronic for DiCaprio to consider the reaction of his fan base - which is composed significantly of women? Maybe he’s just considering his income stream.
What I was thinking.
Bet Lenny Boy couldn’t eat Lutefisk with a straight face.
Ahhhh! You owe me a martini! Just spewed it over my keyboard. LOL
DiCaprio as a Viking??? Maybe a small Viking woman....
I look forward to seeing the movie (go Vikings!) and hope his personal demons do not adversely affect his work.
I think he was going to be the sea booty.
He can't compare to the old timers who have passed OR MEL.
DiCaprio sucked as a tough guy in Gangs of New York...his “Viking” image would be laughable...this is Hollywood’s version of a tough guy? Shite on him...
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