Gilbert Trejo says his father agreed to star in an action film, not become embroiled in a political controversy. The filmmaker is standing by his outspoken Instagram statement about Danny Trejo’s role in Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire movie Pawn Shop, claiming the film’s political direction shifted after production was already underway.
In a new interview with The Independent, Gilbert said his 82-year-old father had been filming for roughly two weeks before Shapiro’s company became involved. By then, Danny had already completed enough of the project that leaving could have put the entire production at risk.
“My dad can’t really come out and say how he feels about any of this in any real way,” Gilbert told the outlet on Wednesday, October 14.
Gilbert also claims his father wasn’t the only one blindsided by the film’s political shift. The 38-year-old filmmaker alleged that a “substantial” number of cast and crew members had no idea the script would be altered to incorporate the Daily Wire’s political messaging. He said several people eventually walked off the set after the changes were made.
Gilbert recalled being beside Danny when his agent called to explain the role.
“You’re the good guy in this movie,” the agent reportedly told Danny. “There are protesters, they’re clashing with these guys and you’re just trying to protect your store and bring peace to everyone.”
However, Pawn Shop now follows an ICE officer who seeks refuge in Danny’s pawn shop amid unrest following the fatal shooting of Renée Good in Minneapolis. Directed by Michael Polish, the film also stars Harvey Keitel and Henry Thomas and is slated to arrive in 2027.
The interview comes after Gilbert’s Instagram Story was reposted by the San Fernando Sun / El Sol, a longstanding Latino community publication founded in 1904.
“My 82-year-old dad has never heard of Ben Shapiro, I had to explain to him who that is, and what kind of guy he is,” Gilbert wrote in his original statement.
He further claimed that his father’s contract barred him from publicly criticizing Shapiro or the film, and that leaving the production could expose him to a lawsuit.
“He’s handcuffed to this stupid project, and swaths of people have instantly turned their backs on him without knowing any of the facts,” Gilbert wrote.
Gilbert maintains that these contractual restrictions have prevented Danny from fully addressing the backlash himself.
He also explained that Danny had previously worked with the Daily Wire on the 2024 animated series Mr. Birchum. According to Gilbert, his father’s involvement came through his longtime relationship with the show’s creator, Adam Carolla, rather than any familiarity with the company’s political views.
“He’s not online,” Gilbert said, adding that his father used a flip phone until around a year ago.
Danny, however, has publicly pushed back against the idea that his role in the movie reflects his views on immigration.
“I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community,” he said in a statement earlier this month. “I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro ICE.”
The controversy has also affected the film’s production. Filming in Livingston, Montana, was temporarily halted after residents raised concerns about simulated gunfire and other disruptions. Production later resumed under additional restrictions.
Gilbert also responded to critics who believe Danny should simply walk away from the movie, regardless of the potential consequences. He said people often underestimate the obligations actors face under their contracts and how financially dependent working performers can be on their jobs.
“He’s very much a working actor,” Gilbert said. “He works for a living.”
The backlash has also been deeply personal for Gilbert. He described his father as often being “the only Mexican guy in the room” and said accusations that Danny had turned his back on the Latino community were especially hurtful.
“The idea that he doesn’t stand with or stand for his community is heartbreaking and depressing,” he said.
