Last September we learned that Mel Gibson was planning a movie about Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee with Basic Instinct scribe Joe Ezterhas writing the screenplay. The film would center on the Maccabee-led revolt against the Selucid Empire around 167 BCE in Judea. Now, in not super surprising news, Warner Bros. has decided to pass on the project. Apparently Ezterhas turned in the script in late February, and WB brass wasn’t exactly thrilled with the results.
Hit the jump for more.
Per The Wrap, the script was described as “lacking in feeling and a sense of triumph.” The studio has officially put the film on hold and are analyzing what to do with the project. Given the reaction many had to the idea of Gibson handling one of the most famous Jewish warriors in history, WB’s decisions isn’t shocking. Moreover, the studio has been hesitant to greenlight big-budget projects as of late—they put both Arthur & Lancelot and Akira on hold to address budget concerns.
Ezterhas’ sexual thriller-heavy resume didn’t exactly inspire confidence that he could write a moving, reverent, and uplifting take on the Maccabee story, so maybe Gibson will now put a different writer on the project. This is going to be a tough one for Gibson to get off the ground no matter how you slice it, though, so it might be best if he just moved on. He hasn’t given up on his Viking movie that he was previously developing with Leonardo DiCaprio, as he recently revealed that he co-wrote a new draft with Braveheart scribe Randall Wallace.
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Oooooooh riiight. I get it.
Because a jew hater making a movie about a Jewish historical figure makes A LOT of sense.
Oy vey…
Two words: Joe Ezterhas. One bonus word: Showgirls.
Need I say more?
This is a good article, but I am saddened that WB is putting the project on hold. Mel Gibson is a talented artist, and he will make something very extraordinary from a good script. I am also glad that he hasn’t given up on the Viking project.
And those who think Mel is a jew hater should move on as it is not true at all. You know well enough that is a great director. This is a entertainment site and let’s put religious differences away. I am referring to the user comments.
Well, I’m kinda glad because I wanna really see his “passion” project Viking movie instead!
Saw a great recent interview with Mel, and he’s a nice guy, and very humble too.
I dont think he’s a Jew hater as such, more a lousy when drunk sorta guy, but not many people make great drunks! Especially when on the hard stuff. Just look at Mr Lahey from Trailer park boys!
Sad to hear the Maccabees movie has been put on the backburner, but I agree with you, Viking 1 dude, I want to see Mel behind the camera again, directing the Viking movie, ‘Bezerker’- blood, guts, and big men with even bigger axes (oo-er missus!), a definite R-rated bloodbath to relish!
Whilst Joe Ezsterhas is a shoddy screenwriter at best, and I can believe his Maccabees script wasn’t up to scratch, I wonder how much of this development had to do with backlash from the Jewish community…