Mel Gibson’s Role In The “Chicken Run” Sequel Is Going To Be Recast
Hollywood has decided that after twenty years, they’re going to make a sequel to the 2000 animated film, Chicken Run. Sure, why not? Who couldn’t use some more talking chickens in their lives? The only problem is that Mel Gibson starred in the original film, which means that in theory, he’d be brought back to voice Rocky the rooster. That also means that there was probably at least a handful of cast and crew members that made the same “Oh shit” face as that chicken behind Mel’s right shoulder. But they can rest assured there will be no problematic comments grunted from Mel in the recording booth, because the role of Rocky is getting recast.
Two sources tell The Wrap that production will begin next year, and that it’s just too early to know who will voice chickens in the film. But they can say with absolute certainty that Mel Gibson will not be returning. The easiest way to make sure Mel Gibson has nothing to do with the sequel might be to write a script that involves Rocky taking a trip to the Tyson factory in the first 30 seconds of the film. But that’s not going to happen. Sources say that Rocky has a baby with Ginger, the head hen, so he’s very much around in this sequel.
Those sources don’t say exactly why Mel won’t be brought back to voice that rooster. It could be a scheduling issue! Maybe Mel is just busy? And maybe it’s just a coincidence that we’re learning of this casting news almost immediately after Winona Ryder’s recent interview in which she accused Mel of saying homophobic and anti-semitic shit to her at a party several few years ago. Winona claimed that Mel asked her if she was an “oven dodger” (Winona is Jewish), and asked Winona’s gay friend if he was going to give Mel AIDS. Mel immediately put his rep on it with a statement about how Mel would NEVER say such things, and that Winona Ryder is a liar. Well, bad news Mel – Winona is still talking.
She spoke to The New York Post, and now she’s naming who her gay friend was. It was the late celebrity makeup artist, Kevyn Aucoin. Also, Winona doesn’t care for Mel continuing to call her a liar.
“I believe in redemption and forgiveness and hope that Mr. Gibson has found a healthy way to deal with his demons, but I am not one of them. Around 1996, my friend Kevyn Aucoin and I were on the receiving end of his hateful words. It is a painful and vivid memory for me. Only by accepting responsibility for our behavior in this life, can we make amends and truly respect each other, and I wish him well on this lifelong journey.”
So, again – I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that we’re learning that Mel’s role in the Chicken Run sequel will happen with another actor. To be fair, I would probably do the same if I was in the Chicken Run people’s position. Yes, the chickens still have disturbing human teeth, and yes they will still look like flattened dildos, but the kids don’t need to know the rooster is a cock in real life. Although I haven’t considered that maybe this was Mel’s decision not to return. After all, he’s put in more than enough work in the field of voice recording to retire forever.
Pic: Wenn.com