Director's words and deeds won't impact Mayan epic release

Mel Gibson's latest directorial effect isn't going away, recent scandals aside.

A slew of recent media reports, many originating on the Internet, had suggested that the Walt Disney Co. was shopping Gibson's "Apocalypto" in light of Gibson's arrest late last month on suspicions of drunk driving. The bust, plus the anti-Semitic remarks made by Gibson in the immediate aftermath, had led some to conclude that the film-friendly Disney folks would pass "Apocalypto" on to other distributors, possibly Lionsgate.

"It's not true," Disney spokeswoman Heidi Trotta tells The Hollywood Reporter.

Fair enough.

Now Disney just needs a way to market the thriller, which was shot in Yucatec dialect, using a cast of unknowns.

The industry trade paper reports that in addition to holding onto "Apocalypto," Disney still plans to release the period film on Dec. 8, as planned, despite the inevitability that Gibson's ability to promote the film will be -- shall we say kindly -- dramatically reduced.

As you may possibly have heard, on Friday, July 28, Gibson was pulled over on Malibu's Pacific Coast Highway for driving 87 mph in a 45-mph zone and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Following the arrest, the actor-director reportedly made several anti-Semitic remarks, including, "F***ing Jews. The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." He also asked arresting officer James Mee if Mee was Jewish.

Gibson was formally charged on Aug. 3 with misdemeanor dunken driving, having an elevated blood-alcohol level and having an open container in his car.