Danny Trejo’s Son Says Actor Was Unaware of Ben Shapiro’s Role in Daily Wire Film

Danny Trejo’s son, Gilbert Trejo, has defended the actor against backlash regarding his role in the Daily Wire film "Pawn Shop," claiming that Danny Trejo was unaware of conservative commentator Ben Shapiro’s involvement until production was already underway.

Claims of Limited Knowledge

In a statement shared on Instagram and reported by Yahoo, Gilbert Trejo said his father had "never heard of Ben Shapiro" or "what kind of guy he is" until two weeks into the production of the film, which is co-produced by Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend. Gilbert stated that his father’s agent described the project as "a complicated story about a complicated time, where everyone looks bad except you, the hardworking Mexican shop owner who just wants peace."

According to Gilbert, Danny Trejo "jumped at the idea of playing a good guy" before learning of Shapiro’s participation. "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 said. He added that his father is contractually restricted from criticizing the film or Shapiro, stating, "He’s handcuffed to this stupid project."

Trejo’s Public Statement

Danny Trejo addressed the controversy in a statement on Instagram, which was reported by the Los Angeles Times on Oct. 12, 2026. In the post, Trejo wrote, "Make no mistake. I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community. I am also obviously, pro-immigrant. I am not pro-ICE. I know where I come from and I know our struggles. I am an actor. My job is to tell a story."

The Los Angeles Times noted that Trejo’s casting was first announced by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle after locals in Livingston, Mont., spotted the actor on set. Deadline confirmed that Trejo, along with Harvey Keitel and Henry Thomas, was scheduled to appear in the film.

Production Disruptions and Local Protests

The production of "Pawn Shop" has faced significant opposition in Livingston, Montana. Locals protested the filming, citing disruptions to businesses and the use of blank gunshots, pyrotechnics, and a staged car wreck without proper notification. The film’s opening scene reportedly dramatizes the fatal shooting of Renée Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis in January.

Production was temporarily suspended on Oct. 3 by order of the Livingston city commission. Filming resumed on Oct. 6 after officials reinstated permits with new conditions. These conditions require the crew to ensure food pantry access for locals to the Livingston Food Resource Center and to shield the public from violent scenes and noise. The production also agreed to address concerns regarding the use of private security, ensuring no policing or harassment of locals on public streets.

Ben Shapiro criticized the suspension of production, calling it "a violation of the First Amendment" and referring to critics as "censorious jackasses."

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the tension between Hollywood productions and local communities when filming politically sensitive content. It also underscores the contractual constraints actors face when projects evolve or involve controversial figures, as illustrated by Gilbert Trejo’s claim that his father was unable to publicly disavow the project despite his personal stance.

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Sources

• yahoo.com: Danny Trejo’s Son Claims Actor “Never Heard” Of Ben Shapiro Until 2 Weeks Into ICE Film Production: “He’s Handcuffed To This Stupid Project”
• latimes.com: Danny Trejo says he’s ‘not pro ICE’ amid casting in Daily Wire movie - Los Angeles Times

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.