Mel Gibson, who may be as famous now for putting his foot in his mouth as he is acting, still has an impressive list of films to his name in his lengthy career, as well as two Academy awards for "Braveheart," which Gibson directed, produced, and starred in.
Gibson was most known as an action movie-type guy before turning mostly to directing — the United States came to know him in 1980's "Mad Max" and the "Lethal Weapon" series. He also directed "The Passion of the Christ" in 2004, and voiced animated characters in "Chicken Run" and Disney's "Pocahontas."
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But there are some roles the Australia-raised American didn't take. Here are a few Gibson passed on that other actors made famous:
1. "The Avengers," 1998
Gibson passed on the chance to play John Steed in the movie version of the quirky and much-loved television series. Ralph Fiennes instead took the role of the elegant bowler-topped agent and ran — or rather sauntered — with it.
2. "Batman," 1989
Gibson was supposedly the first choice for the Caped Crusader in this production, but was already committed to "Lethal Weapon 2." Many other actors were considered, with Michael Keaton finally landing the role.
3. "The Dead Poets Society," 1989
It is rumored director Jeff Kanew wanted Gibson for the lead, but that Gibson wanted too much money. Peter Weir eventually directed the film, and Robin Williams played the lead role beautifully. The film is now considered a classic.
4. "Gladiator," 2000
Gibson turned down the role of Roman gladiator Maximus, a part that eventually went to Russell Crowe. Gibson reportedly told director Ridley Scott that at age 43, he was too old for the role.
5. "JFK," 1991
According to rumors, Gibson declined a starring role playing prosecutor Jim Garrison in this conspiracy thriller about JFK's assassination. However, Stone wrote in "JFK: The Book of the Film: The Documented Screenplay," "I never offered the role of Jim Garrison to Mel Gibson, so he never turned it down." The part went to Kevin Costner.
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