Mel Gibson's The Beaver Gets a Release Date

Mel Gibson's newest movie, which suffered delays since his "incident" earlier this year, has gotten a release date of Spring 2011. The Beaver stars Mel Gibson as troubled toy company executive Walter Black. Depressed and at a loss for how to get his life back on track, he begins communicating through a beaver hand puppet. Can we all agree right now that it would be hilarious if Mel Gibson sought to fix the problems in his own life by talking through a puppet?

Sadly, the film is not autobiographical, but is rather written by Kyle Killen, whose only other writing credit is the creation of the television show Lone Star for the Fox network. Lone Star, which followed a Texas con-man, was cancelled after two episodes, though shows get cancelled for a variety of reasons, quality not necessarily being one of them.

Veteran actress Jodie Foster directs The Beaver, and pulls double duty as Meredith Black, the wife of Gibson's character. Rounding out the Black family are Anton Yelchin (Star Trek, Terminator: Salvation) as Porter and Riley Thomas Stewart (90210) as Henry.

Jim Carrey and Steve Carell were both, at one time, attached to the lead role that eventually went to Gibson. Although I'm a big fan of both of them, I'm glad that it didn't work out. I have no doubt that it would have been funny, but it wouldn't have been much of a stretch, and it might be something new with Gibson.

As far as Gibson goes, what's everybody's take on the guy right now? Do you think his recent problems will hurt tickets sales? Maybe improve them? Are you taking a stand against "The Beaver?"