How Will Mel Gibson's Latest Rants Affect Jodie Foster's Beaver?

Studio in "wait-and-see" mode about release of embattled actor's upcoming dramedy, says source

By Marc Malkin Jul 12, 2010 11:14 PMTags
Mel Gibson, Jodie FosterINFdaily.com; AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi

Jodie Foster may be regretting giving her ol' pal Mel Gibson a job.

Foster is currently putting the finishing touches on The Beaver, a dramedy she not only directed, but costars in with the embattled actor. Gibson plays a man who develops a friendship with a hand puppet.

With Gibson's reputation taking a hit, it's not looking good for the $20 million flick...

An insider tells me that Summit Entertainment, the studio releasing Beaver, is at a standstill. "They don't know what they're going to do," the source said. "It's sort of a wait-and-see until Mel makes his next move."

Foster has yet to comment on Gibson's recent troubles or how it will affect the film. "Jodie is not available at this time," her rep said. "She is in post on the movie."

Our source said that research conducted by Summit before the Mad Max star imploded showed movie-goers were ready to forgive and forget his problems of the past and see the film. Despite reports that the film had a release date, Foster's rep said it "was not yet dated before all of the current news."

A rep for Summit did not comment.

Even if Beaver bombs, Summit has apparently already recouped Foster's $20 million budget through foreign sales, according to our source.

No word yet if anyone has asked for their money back.

Follow Marc Malkin on Facebook and Twitter.

________

Check out other celebs in hot water in our Court Appearances photo gallery.

Latest News