Mel Gibson's Career Choices: What He Turned Down and Missed Out On | MarkMeets | Celebrity News, Music, Movies, TV, London Film Premieres

Mel Gibson, the Australian-American actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and investor with a net worth of $425 million, has had a turbulent but undeniably successful career in Hollywood. Throughout his journey in the entertainment industry, Gibson encountered several pivotal moments where he had to make difficult decisions about the roles he took on and the ones he turned down. One such role that he famously declined was the opportunity to star in the epic film “Gladiator.” In this article, we’ll explore some of the major projects Mel Gibson turned down or missed out on, shedding light on the reasons behind his choices and the impact they had on his career.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Unexpected Rise as The Terminator

One of the most iconic roles in cinematic history is that of The Terminator, a relentless cyborg assassin from the future. Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his impressive physique and charisma, brought this character to life in a way that left an indelible mark on the franchise. However, what many might not know is that Arnold Schwarzenegger was not the initial choice for this groundbreaking role.

Schwarzenegger himself had reservations about taking on the role of The Terminator. He was concerned that the character’s limited dialogue and robotic nature might not be the right fit for his career aspirations. However, fate had other plans for him.

James Cameron, the director of “The Terminator,” recognized Schwarzenegger’s potential for the role after being impressed by his understanding of a similar character, Yul Brenner in “Westworld.” Cameron’s faith in Schwarzenegger’s ability to portray a robotic assassin was unwavering. He told Schwarzenegger, “There’s no one who will understand the Terminator better than you, so therefore, I think we’re all in agreement that you should play the Terminator.”

Schwarzenegger trusted Cameron’s vision and believed that this role could be his most impactful one yet. He recalls, “Eventually one day I woke up and said to myself, you know, he’s right. It would be the most memorable character if it’s played right.” This trust in the director’s vision paid off, and Schwarzenegger became the face of The Terminator franchise.

Mel Gibson’s Pass on The Terminator Role

Interestingly, Mel Gibson was one of the actors considered for the role of The Terminator before it ultimately went to Schwarzenegger. Gibson, at the time, was gaining recognition as a leading figure in action films. However, he decided to decline the opportunity, believing that he wasn’t the right fit for such a role.

Gibson wasn’t alone in being considered for the part. O.J. Simpson was the preferred candidate during that period, and various other notable names were tossed around as potential Terminators, including Sylvester Stallone, Tom Selleck, Michael Douglas, and even the unexpected choice of Chevy Chase.

While Gibson passed on the chance to become The Terminator, he didn’t dwell on it, as he would go on to secure other significant action roles, including his iconic portrayal of William Wallace in “Braveheart.” However, even that project was not without its challenges.

Budget Woes and “Braveheart”

Mel Gibson’s journey with “Braveheart” was marked by budgetary hurdles and negotiations that tested the actor’s resolve. According to reports from People magazine, securing the budget for “Braveheart” was no small feat. Gibson had already secured two-thirds of the film’s estimated $65-$70 million budget from 20th Century Fox when he met with Paramount Pictures over breakfast.

Paramount’s head of business affairs, Bill Bernstein, offered only $15 million, which was reportedly insufficient to cover the film’s iconic battle scenes. Additionally, Paramount requested a quarter of the film’s theatrical revenue, a proposition that infuriated Gibson to the point of tossing an ashtray.

Despite the budgetary challenges, “Braveheart” ultimately prevailed, with Mel Gibson as its star and director. The film’s success not only showcased Gibson’s versatility but also solidified his status as a Hollywood heavyweight.

Other Roles Mel Gibson Turned Down or Missed Out On

Mel Gibson’s career is riddled with intriguing opportunities that he either turned down or missed out on, many of which could have significantly altered the trajectory of his career. Here are some notable examples:

The Flintstones: Imagine Mel Gibson as a part of the beloved prehistoric family! Gibson had the chance to be a part of “The Flintstones” cast, which could have taken his career in a unique direction.
Robin Hood: The role of Robin Hood eventually went to Kevin Costner, but it was initially offered to Gibson. His decision to decline the role paved the way for Costner’s portrayal of the legendary outlaw.
The Departed: While Alec Baldwin played the role of George Ellerby in “The Departed,” the part was initially offered to Mel Gibson. However, Gibson turned it down as he was committed to directing “Apocalypto,” a decision that presented him with a different experience behind the camera.
James Bond and Maximus in “Gladiator”: In the realm of franchise roles, Gibson was considered for two iconic characters—James Bond and Maximus in “Gladiator.” While it’s intriguing to imagine Gibson in these roles, the actors who ultimately took them on left an indelible mark.

In retrospect, it’s fascinating to consider how these different choices and missed opportunities could have reshaped Mel Gibson’s career. While he may not have become The Terminator, he certainly made his mark in Hollywood with a diverse array of roles.

In Conclusion

Mel Gibson’s career in Hollywood has been a rollercoaster of decisions, opportunities, and challenges. While he turned down the role of The Terminator, which ultimately became an iconic part of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career, Gibson went on to forge his path with memorable roles like William Wallace in “Braveheart.”

Throughout his journey, Gibson encountered numerous other roles that he either passed on or missed out on, each with its unique potential to shape his career differently. However, despite these choices, Gibson’s success in the entertainment industry remains undeniable, making him a prominent figure in Hollywood’s history.