DiCaprio is Mel Gibson’s Viking
Viking Script to be Penned by William Monahan
If Mel Gibson is truly planning a return to the limelight, who better to cast as his leading man than Leonardo DiCaprio?
That’s exactly what’s happening, because Gibson has signed on to direct an untitled drama about Vikings that will star DiCaprio, scripted by William Monahan. You might know Monahan as the screenwriter of The Departed, Body of Lies and Kingdom of Heaven.
If DiCaprio isn’t the first face that pops into your head when you think of Vikings, then you’re not alone — which tells me Gibson and Monahan are likely going for a different take on Nordic culture. The film will begin shooting in fall of 2010, outside of the studio system.
Currently, details are sparse regarding ‘Viking’, but DiCaprio has apparently long been fascinated with the culture and is set to play a Viking “in a storyline that will be as unsparing as Gibson’s other period directing efforts.” Which translates as: this will be a bloody, relentless film. Right up Gibson’s alley.
What do you think? Are you excited for Gibson return to the director’s chair? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Variety
I am horrified. Gibson's movies are notoriously less than historically accurate and I am terrified to see how poorly-represented the vikings will be. And so what if DiCaprio is interested in vikings?? There are far better choices out there of actors to play vikings. What about Viggo Mortensen?! Or anyone else?
Mortensen would be a good choice. I wasn't inferring that DiCaprio is the best actor for the role, by the way – just stating that if Gibson's planning a return, he needs a heavy hitter for his leading role. DiCaprio is just that.
I'm actually less horrified at the choice of actor than I am at the choice of film subject. The vikings are frequently misrepresented in films and I tremble at the ways Mel Gibson will further this. I've seen Braveheart. I know how much Mel hates history.
Yeah. I think Apocalypto worked because it's a period we know relatively little about, but I'd like to see Gibson apply his direction talent (which he -does- have) to some non-historical material.
I totally agree, though all directors are guilty of misrepresenting history in their epic films. It's such a shame because the history is good and doesn't need to be changed. Why bother telling an historical story if you think the story needs to be changed? If the story isn't good enough as is, don't waste the money making the film. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Mel on this one. If he wants to make a comeback, he'd better be very careful how he tells the viking story. I'm fairly certain Scotland is still pretty pissed about Braveheart…