'The Revenant' Director on Leonardo DiCaprio's 'Bear Rape' Scene: 'Why Didn't I Think of That?'

AWARDS BEAT

When a ridiculous report surfaced on the Internet that Leonardo DiCaprio‘s character is raped by a bear in “The Revenant,” the film’s director immediately wondered if he hadn’t missed an opportunity.

“I have to say that my first thought was, ‘Oh my God, that is a great idea — why didn’t I shoot it like that?'” director Alejandro G. Inarritu told TheWrap with a laugh on Friday.

“That would have been one of the most memorable scenes ever. I thought it was brilliant. Why didn’t I think of it?”

Also Read: No, Leonardo DiCaprio Doesn't Get Raped by a Bear in 'The Revenant'

In fact, Inarritu would never have shot that scene for “The Revenant.” The bear that attacks DiCaprio’s wilderness-guide character is clearly a female who mauls him because he’s surprised her with her cubs — and despite the overheated imagination of a Drudge report correspondent, there’s not a hint of any sexual thrusting as the bear bites and claws DiCaprio.

“It’s just the result of the crazy kind of social media world we are living in,” Inarritu said, more seriously. “You can’t fight it. I have to stop resisting that, because that’s a war that we lost already.”

He laughed. “But I thought it was hilarious.”

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"Spotlight" A contender for Best Picture, director and screenplay -- as well as the supporting acting categories.
Open Road Films
"The Martian" Ridley Scott may have his best shot at an Oscar with this sci-fi drama, which is also a contender for Best Picture. Matt Damon is in the hunt for Best Actor as well.
Twentieth Century Fox
"Carol" Todd Haynes' period romance is getting lots of buzz for major categories, particularly for stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
The Weinstein Company
"Room" Brie Larson is a favorite in the Best Actress race, and there's chatter for co-stars Jacob Tremblay and Joan Allen.
A24
"Joy" David O. Russell movies are consistent awards bait, and Jennifer Lawrence is poised to earn her third consecutive nomination.
Annapurna Pictures
"The Revenant" Alejandro G. Inarritu's dark revenge tale is getting lots of awards traction, particularly for Leonardo DiCaprio's performance.
Twentieth Century Fox
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Fox Searchlight Pictures
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"Suffragette" Carey Mulligan is in the hunt for Best Actress for her role in this historical drama about the battle for British women to get the vote.
Focus Features
"Inside Out" Pixar's hit could become the first animated movie to earn a Best Picture nod since 2011's "Toy Story 3."
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