Leonardo DiCaprio Reportedly Chose Not To Work With Controversial Celeb Who Almost Replaced Arnold Schwarzenegger As Terminator

Leonardo DiCaprio once refused to work with Hollywood legend Mel Gibson.

Leonardo DiCaprio is one actor that anybody would want to work with. An exceptionally talent actor, he has shown his versatility and prowess in any and every project he has taken up.

Even though he is among the most sought-after Hollywood artists now, just like anyone else, the actor has had his preferences of who to work with and who not to work with.

Leonardo DiCaprio.
The actor once famously refused to work with Mel Gibson who used to be one of the most sought-after actors as well and was also the first choice for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator.

Leonardo DiCaprio Refused To Work With The Hollywood Legend

Mel Gibson.
Leonardo DiCaprio proved the level of talent he had when he starred in the blockbuster Titanic and since then there has been no turning back for him.

He has since collaborated with several A-lister actors and directors, earning numerous accolades along the way.

However, there is one actor that he refused to work with despite wanting to at first.

DiCaprio was supposed to work with Mel Gibson back in 2010, starring as a lead in an untitled Viking movie directed by Gibson.

However, before the project could even take off, the Patriot star became embroiled in a very publicized controversy, concerning allegations of domestic abuse and child endangerment.

A series of recordings were revealed to the public by his then-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, featuring Gibson making several allegedly offensive, racist, and misogynist remarks that led to an eventual widespread public condemnation and legal repercussions.

He was later sentenced to probation, counseling as well as community service, and had to pay several fines.

Amid all this controversy, fearing for his reputation, DiCaprio decided to drop out of the movie even though he had been initially very eager and enthusiastic to do the movie.

Mel Gibson Almost Starred In Terminator Instead Of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger as The Terminator.
Arnold Schwarzenegger would probably be best remembered for his Terminator role.

Not only did he do an exceptional job, but he was able to perfectly channel the character on the big screen.

Now regarded as one of the best roles of his life, it would be surprising to know that he was not the first choice for the role.

Mel Gibson was the one who was approached first for the role.

Gibson was a regular in the sci-fi genre by that time and appeared to be someone who could have aced the role.

Fortunately for Schwarzenegger, the Mad Max star rejected the role thinking he would not be a good fit for it.

The Terminator can be streamed on HBO Max.