In an alternate universe, Mel Gibson would have draped suave brown, black, or gray suits while bringing the iconic British secret agent James Bond to life. But in this world, that didn’t happen and it was majorly because Gibson refused to become a part of the $7.8 Billion franchise. And here’s how the Mad Max actor’s decision was influenced by the very first on-screen James Bond.
During an interview with JoBlo, Gibson disclosed an intriguing reason for rejecting the iconic role of James Bond. And contrary to his previous explanations where he claimed disinterest in portraying the 007 agent, the actor cited Sean Connery’s post-Bond career as a cautionary tale.
How did Sean Connery affect Mel Gibson’s decision?
During the conversation, Mel Gibson expanded on his viewpoint and cited Sean Connery‘s career trajectory in the mid to late ’80s. Reportedly, Gibson’s potential Bond opportunity arose during the filming of the 1981 movie Gallipoli, which he was working on with director Peter Weir.
And as per this information, Gibson’s tenure as James Bond might have started with the 1983 film Octopussy. Revealing the offer he received, Gibson said,
“I got offered the James Bond movies when I was like twenty-six, which is like forty years ago, okay? And they said, hey, we want you to be the next James Bond. And I thought about it; I was in Australia, I was working with Peter Weir.”
Furthermore, he added that he did consider taking up the role. However, after looking at Connery’s career, Gibson continued,
“And I did think about it, and I sort of turned it down – for that reason. Because I thought, look what happened to poor Sean [Connery], he got stuck there for like three decades.”
However, it’s safe to say that Gibson didn’t miss out on anything. Because even though he could not become a part of the $7.8 Billion franchise, his career flourished in a different direction, with his roles in action spectacles like Lethal Weapon and Mad Max.
Mel Gibson further expands on the 007 actor’s career
Continuing with his explanation of why he decided to pass on the opportunity, Mel Gibson added,
“You make your bed and lie in it. Poor old Sean Connery couldn’t get away from James Bond for three decades. And then he started doing other stuff, like The Untouchables, and you realize, wow, there’s more to this guy than I thought.”
Despite the facts presented by Gibson, it’s true that one cannot stop wondering what the franchise would have been had Gibson accepted the role. In the intriguing world of James Bond casting, Mel Gibson’s revelation definitely added an extra layer to Hollywood’s Bond’s history.
In fact, it can be said that his decision serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated actors have their own unique paths, ultimately shaping the landscape of cinema in unforeseen ways.
Source: JoBlo
