Mel Gibson is among the most successful actors in Hollywood history. And did we mention his skills as an incredibly successful director as well? Despite problems in his personal life, he has had some truly outstanding performances over the course of his impressive career; remained a respected figure in the movie business.
When you are as well-known as Gibson is, you will be considered for significant roles throughout your career, though not every one of them will pan out.
The 67-year-old actor was once offered the starring role in 1987’s Robert De Niro, Sean Connery cult classic, but he reportedly declined. Many of his fans were shocked by his choice to decline starring roles in the 1987 hit film, The Untouchables.
The Braveheart actor was already a well-known actor with a long list of hit movies at the time. So why has he declined something that would undoubtedly be another box-office success?
Why Mel Gibson Rejected The 1987 Robert De Niro Cult Classic Film?
Now that you probably guessed that Mel Gibson was a candidate to play Eliot Ness in The Untouchables. But Kevin Costner ultimately won the role. The relationship between the two actors from 1987 to 1991 was undoubtedly intriguing. It is said that Gibson was already in discussions at that time to star in another film called Lethal Weapon (1987).
For him, the script for Lethal Weapon was not initially as well-liked as The Untouchables, so he believed the role he would be playing in it had more nuance and complexity.
Thus, he is an actor who wanted to venture outside of his comfort zone and take on more action-oriented roles, and Lethal Weapon presented him with that fresh challenge.
In addition, Gibson was persuaded to take a chance on Lethal Weapon for more reasons than just the script. It was his on-screen chemistry with Danny Glover. The two actors hit it off right away and soon developed a close friendship off-screen.
This bond showed in their on-screen chemistry, making the relationship between Gibson and Glover’s (Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh) characters one of the most enduring in 80s cinema.
Did He Gamble His Career By Rejecting The Untouchables?
Eliot Ness’ character was offered to Michael Douglas, Don Johnson, and Mel Gibson, but they declined. Before Kevin Costner was cast, even Harrison Ford was asked to play the part but he also refused.
Gibson probably would have played Ness in Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables if he would have agreed. And as it turns out that Costner’s role in The Untouchables helped launch his career. Therefore, it should be clear that Gibson blew this chance.
Possibly not inevitably, though. Instead, the Mad Max actor was able to create an action film that was more appropriate for his strengths. It was a 1987 cult classic action-drama called, Lethal Weapon.
Lethal Weapon proved to be an even bigger boost for Gibson than The Untouchables was for Costner.
Thus, Mel Gibson’s status as one of the top action stars of the decade was cemented by the success of Lethal Weapon and its three sequels. It is difficult to imagine anyone else giving the character of Martin Riggs the intensity and humor that he did.
The 67-year-old actor ultimately made the right choice by choosing Lethal Weapon over The Untouchables, taking a chance that paid off. He entered a new stage in his career as a result, and it helped him land some of the most famous roles.
Source: IMDB
