This info had me at Mel Gibson and Leonardo DiCaprio working together. Just the idea that these two greats will be collaborating for the first time ever is simply epic. No to mention the script will be penned by Oscar winning screenwriter William Monahan who came up with those hilarious Mark Wahlberg’s lines in The Departed. If it gets any more awesome than this, my head will explode…
According to Variety, Mel Gibson will direct an untitled period drama set in the ancient, violent, Viking world, starring Leonardo DiCaprio with William Monahan writing the script. .
This has been confirmed but unfortunately details on the plot is kept under wraps for now. Turns out DiCaprio has been a longtime fan of Vikings. But what’s interesting is.. what is up with Gibson and period piece?.. every time that he gets to direct, it’s always a story that’s not set in present time (Braveheart, The Passion Of The Christ, Apocalypto)
Now, I always picture Vikings as massive, bearded, brute men. I don’t doubt DiCaprio could grow beard but perhaps he should bulk up for the role.
The tie that binds all these three prominent figures is Oscar winning producer Graham King. He worked with DiCaprio and Monahan for The Departed and he worked with Gibson and Monahan for the upcoming EDGE OF DARKNESS.
Graham will produce this Viking action adventure movie with Gibson and Tim Headington in a co-production between King’s GK Films and Gibson’s Icon Productions.
Production is expected to start in fall 2010, there is no distributor at the moment, but don’t fret, Gibson and King will make this film outside the studio system and secure distribution later.
So how would this affect that previous info about Mel Gibson returning to Mexico to make another film? Report says this Viking gig will be Gibson’s next directing project, so either he’s just going to produce, and not direct the Mexico project or Mexico will just have to wait another time.
