Mel Gibson is a highly accomplished and versatile figure in the world of entertainment. With his striking looks, intense performances, and powerful storytelling, he has captivated audiences on the big screen as an actor, director, and producer. Despite being entangled with controversies in the past, the superstar has delivered remarkable performances in films like Braveheart, Apocalypto, and much more.
One incident that stood out from the Oscar-winning film, Braveheart, was its budget negotiations. Initially hesitant to take on the project, Gibson eventually agreed to direct and star in the film, which tells the story of Scottish rebel William Wallace. However, when he faced low-budget offers and unfavorable terms from Paramount Studios, his frustration reached a boiling point, resulting in his pretty explosive actions.
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Mel Gibson’s Outburst During Budget Negotiations For Braveheart
During the budget negotiations for Braveheart, tensions ran high as Mel Gibson found himself facing disappointing offers from Paramount Studios. Frustrated by the low-budget allocation and the studio’s demand for a substantial distribution fee, Gibson’s anger reached a tipping point. In a moment of fury, he grabbed a large glass ashtray and hurled it through the wall, expressing his outrage and frustration. The incident shocked those present, leaving an indelible impression of Gibson’s fierce commitment to the film and his unwillingness to compromise on its vision. Jeff Berg, the agent, shed light on the incident providing insights into Gibson’s actions.
“He grabbed a large glass ashtray and threw it through the wall. He threw the ashtray through the wall!”
The Mad Max star later gave a glimpse into his thought process while undergoing a heated negotiation to approve the budget for Braveheart which eventually led to his explosive actions. The superstar shared that he was upset as the studio was not allotting him the budget he wished for despite the fact that he left three jobs to work on this project.
“I was like, ‘What the f— do you people mean? I turned down three jobs — blah, blah, blah.’ I was kind of upset, probably a little over the top. It was all posturing bullshit.”
Mel Gibson’s Initial Consideration of Brad Pitt For His Lead Role In Braveheart
Before fully committing to Braveheart, Gibson had reservations about taking on the project. In the early 1990s, after the success of Lethal Weapon 3, he was selective about the scripts he chose and wanted to make thoughtful decisions about his career. It was during this time that Alan Ladd Jr. brought to Paramount by studio head Sherry Lansing, arranged a meeting between Gibson and Lansing to discuss the film. Initially, Gibson contemplated having Brad Pitt take on the lead role. However, after careful consideration, he reluctantly decided to not only direct but also portray the Scottish rebel himself.
Despite the initial hurdles and frustrations, Mel Gibson’s commitment to Braveheart proved to be a defining moment in his career. The film went on to achieve critical acclaim and won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson.
Braveheart is available on Max.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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