What controversy? Mel Gibson smiles as his upcoming police brutality film Dragged Across Concrete sparks a social media backlash
He's been enjoying a career resurgence after his WWII drama Hacksaw Ridge was nominated for six Academy Awards.
And it looks like Mel Gibson won't let controversy surrounding his upcoming police brutality movie Dragged Across Concrete dampen his spirits.
The 61-year-old couldn't stop smiling as he was spotted in Santa Monica this week - as Twitter users furiously speculated the new film would have a conservative slant.
Scroll down for video
He's still smiling! It looks like Mel Gibson (L) won't let controversy surrounding his upcoming police brutality movie Dragged Across Concrete dampen his spirits
The project will also star Vince Vaughn who, like Mel, is one of the few Hollywood actors with openly conservative views.
In response to Variety announcing the film, social media users criticised the project, with many making unflattering comments about Mel's involvement.
One Twitter user asked: 'Wait, Mel Gibson is going to star in a police brutality movie called "Dragged Across Concrete" and he's playing the cop?'
Another wrote: '"Dragged Across Concrete" sounds like Conservative porn'.
'Still can't get over Hollywood really letting Mel Gibson back at the lunch table,' read another tweet.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Mel and Vince for comment.
'He's playing the cop?' In response to Variety announcing the film, social media users criticised the project, with many making unflattering comments about Mel's involvement
Despite the backlash, the veteran filmmaker had plenty to be smiling about on Tuesday, as he became a father for the ninth time last month.
His girlfriend Rosalind Ross, 26, welcomed their son Lars Gerard on January 21.
A source told People: 'They’re thrilled and Lars is adorable. Their family is all around them and Mel is over the moon. They’re home and everybody is healthy and happy!'
Comeback kid! Despite the backlash, the veteran filmmaker had plenty to be smiling about in Santa Monica on Tuesday as he became a father for the ninth time last month
Mel has seven children with ex-wife Robyn Moore: Hannah, 36, twin boys Christian and Edward, 34, William, 31, Louis, 28, Milo, 26, and Thomas, 17.
He also has a six-year-old daughter, Lucia, with former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.
It follows a triumphant year for Mel, as industry observers claim he has finally been welcomed back into Hollywood after his infamous 2006 DUI arrest.
Controversy: Dragged Across Concrete, which also stars Vince Vaughn, follows two police officers who are caught on camera using strong arm tactics. Pictured in November 2016
Most watched News videos
- 'Your f****** son!': Man's foul mouthed rant at mother and son
- Moment police deliberately ram a stolen moped off the road
- Woman filmed performing sex act in Florida court house
- Trump awkwardly avoids holding Melania's hand in Florida
- Jonathan Ross mentions Beckham's knighthood during 2013 interview
- Video claims to show exorcism of demon-possessed young man
- Girl is thrown from theme park ride and dies in China
- Yaser Abdel Said films disturbing home video of his daughters
- Shocking moment dancer collapses and dies on stage during routine
- Alec Baldwin mocks Trump and his Australia phone call
- Teacher and BLM supporter: 'we need to start killing people'
- Justin Bieber teams up with T-Mobile for Super Bowl 51 advert
- Trump administration files appeal challenging Seattle...
- Apocalypse island: Tech billionaires are building...
- 'I'm just a normal person who is extremely disappointed...
- Brave train manager tells a 'drunken racist' solicitor to...
- PICTURED: Prince Harry is spotted holding hands with his...
- What a gentleman! Bride-to-be Pippa Middleton's fiance...
- Nigel Farage is sharing his £4million bachelor pad with...
- RIP brand Beckham: Hacked emails suggest ex-England...
- Revealed: A secret list of Netflix codes that will help...
- Kylie is left 'inconsolable' after splitting from wannabe...
- Donald Trump 'avoids holding Melania's hand in public...
- Stony-faced Trump attends Red Cross gala with Melania as...