Sunday, 18 October 2026

Danny Trejo Responds to Backlash Over Daily Wire Film Casting

Actor Danny Trejo faces heavy social media criticism after news emerged that he was cast in a thriller co-produced by Ben Shapiro's Daily Wire.

Danny Trejo Responds to Backlash Over Daily Wire Film Casting

Danny Trejo Addresses Criticism Over Thriller Project

Veteran actor danny trejo has addressed criticism on social media after news broke regarding his involvement in an upcoming film project. The performer faced accusations from online commentators following revelations that a right-wing media company is involved in the production.

The project in question is a thriller titled "Pawn Shop," which is co-produced by Bonfire Legend and the Daily Wire, a media organization launched by Ben Shapiro. Reports indicate the story features a narrative centered around a Minneapolis riot, an ICE officer, and a neighborhood pawn shop where characters include a Hispanic veteran and his college-age grandson.

Public Backlash and Family Response

Following reports of his casting, online reactions saw some social media users labeling the actor with harsh terms. However, his son Gilbert Trejo defended the veteran performer through a public statement. According to his son, the cast and crew only discovered Shapiro's involvement roughly two weeks into shooting. Gilbert noted that his father was initially drawn to the role because it portrayed a hardworking Hispanic shop owner seeking peace, and stated that contractual obligations prevent the actor from leaving the project or speaking out freely without facing legal action.

Actor Clarifies His Stance on Immigration

Addressing the online controversy directly, the actor shared a statement via social media emphasizing his heritage and community support. He made it clear that he identifies as a proud Mexican and a supporter of immigrant communities, stating plainly that he is not pro-ICE and views his role strictly through the lens of storytelling.

Sources: we are mitú, IMDb, The Hill.

Frequently asked questions

What is the movie Danny Trejo was cast in?
Danny Trejo was cast in "Pawn Shop," a thriller co-produced by the Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend.
How did Danny Trejo respond to the backlash?
Danny Trejo released an Instagram statement clarifying that he is a proud Mexican, pro-immigrant, and not pro-ICE, stating that his job as an actor is to tell a story.
What did Danny Trejo's son say about the project?
Gilbert Trejo stated that his father did not initially know about Ben Shapiro's involvement, learning about it two weeks into filming, and noted that his contract prevents him from walking away without facing a lawsuit.
What is the premise of "Pawn Shop"?
The logline describes a Minneapolis riot forcing a young ICE officer to complete a high-stakes arrest alone, while being hunted through the streets, leading into a siege inside a neighborhood pawn shop with a Hispanic veteran and his grandson.
Written by

Akhil Pandey

Akhil Pandey is a Senior Editor responsible for reviewing, refining, and improving editorial content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and readability. His editorial approach focuses…