Prior to Willem Dafoe being cast in The Last Temptation of Christ, acclaimed director Martin Scorsese had his sights set on Mel Gibson for the iconic role of Jesus. This revelation sheds light on the casting dynamics and artistic considerations that often accompany major film projects.

In an intriguing conversation on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Mel Gibson disclosed that he was approached by Martin Scorsese to take on the role of Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ. Despite the offer being tempting, the Lethal Weapon star expressed his disinterest. He recounted a vivid moment when he was suffering from severe food poisoning in a hotel room, which made the conversation even more surreal. Gibson humorously shared, “I was near dead from it. I ate a bad oyster in London and I was dying in a hotel room and I couldn’t even leave.”

During that challenging time, Gibson received a call from Scorsese, who urged him to come to his room for a discussion. Gibson vividly described Scorsese’s environment, saying, “He’s got 18 different TVs going on at the same time in this dark room.” The director passionately pitched The Last Temptation of Christ, envisioning Gibson in the lead role as Jesus. However, Mel candidly replied, “Wow. I’m not doing that.” This exchange highlights the complexities and personal decisions actors face when approached for significant roles, especially in such a sensitive film.

Despite his decision not to participate, Gibson did not shy away from expressing admiration for Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Jesus in the film. He praised Dafoe’s unique approach, stating, “He did something that I think nobody else did and I think he pulled it off because I totally believed it.” Gibson elaborated on Dafoe’s transformative process for the role, mentioning, “He emptied himself out. He invited something else in. He meditated and let Christ in.” This level of commitment to a character is often what sets remarkable performances apart, especially in films that tackle profound themes like those explored in The Last Temptation of Christ, which faced backlash from various Christian groups upon its release due to its controversial narrative.

Mel Gibson later went on to direct his own film about Jesus, The Passion of the Christ, which received significant attention and acclaim. Currently, he is in the process of developing a sequel, which he hopes to begin shooting next year. This project has generated a lot of excitement among fans of the original film, as it promises to delve deeper into the themes of sacrifice and redemption that resonate with audiences worldwide.

In addition to his work on religious films, Gibson will soon be seen in the action thriller Flight Risk, which he directed based on a script by Jared Rosenberg. The film features a thrilling storyline where Mark Wahlberg plays a pilot tasked with transporting an Air Marshall, portrayed by Michelle Dockery, who is overseeing a fugitive, played by Topher Grace, on their way to trial. As they navigate the treacherous Alaskan wilderness, the tension escalates, and trust among the characters is put to the ultimate test, revealing that not everyone on board is who they claim to be. Flight Risk is set to premiere in theaters on January 24th, and promises to deliver an exhilarating viewing experience.