Mel Gibson has been trying for years to shake the bad image his past indiscretions created, but that was never going to happen playing bad guys in Machete Kills or The Expendables 3. His best shot was always going to be as a director, preferably tackling subject matter he's familiar with and resonates with audiences. Now that appears to be happening with Hacksaw Ridge, a film based on the true story of conscientious objector, Desmond Doss.
If Doss' name sounds familiar it may be because Hollywood has been trying to get a movie on him off the ground for years, but it looks like Gibson will be the guy to do it. While Gibson's name may not be enough to launch a major project nowadays, Andrew Garfield's certainly is, and the Amazing Spider-Man actor is in talks to star. Unlike Gibson's other war films, this one will follow a soldier who refused to fight. Doss was the first conscientious objector ever to be honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Drafted in 1942, he refused to carry a weapon or take a life during WWII, but was recognized as a hero for rescuing 75 men at the Battle of Okinawa.
Exactly the kind of big Hollywood picture that could put Gibson back on the map. Production is to begin next year if everything comes together. Ironically, it was Gibson's Braveheart screenwriter Randall Wallace who was going to direct it previously. [THR]
