For the first time in almost a decade, Mel Gibson will be returning to the director's chair for the World War II drama HACKSAW RIDGE. The deal is on the verge of being finalized, but word from The Hollywood Reporter out of the Berlin Film Festival has Lionsgate agreeing to a $10-15 million dollar deal to domestically distribute the $45 million dollar movie.
HACKSAW RIDGE is a true story that will star Andrew Garfield in the lead role as Pfc. Desmond T. Doss. Doss was awarded the Medal of Honor despite refusing to bear arms due to religious reasons.
Doss made himself a legend when saving 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa. He helped evacuate the wounded near enemy lines, braved fire while tending to soldiers on the field, and in one overnight battle, was wounded by a grenade and later hit by a sniper while saving grunts. Doss also received two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts.
HACKSAW RIDGE would represent the return of one of the biggest names in Hollywood. Mel Gibson was notoriously involved in tabloid issues surrounding his religious beliefs and anti-Semitic comments. Gibson has apologized for his behavior and yet has struggled to find the same major roles and directing jobs he used to. If HACKSAW RIDGE turns out to be well-received, this could be Gibson's second chance.
The film has been in development for 13 years and is written by Robert Schenkkan and WE WERE SOLDIERS scribe Randall Wallace. There is no production date yet but I would expect to see this film sometime in 2016.