Posted on 09/09/2011 6:34:32 AM PDT by marshmallow
It’s a project that will have everybody in Hollywood and beyond talking. I’ve learned that Warner Bros has set up an untitled drama that teams Gibson and screenwriter Joe Eszterhas on the telling of the heroic story of Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee. Eszterhas will write the script, and I understand that Gibson will collaborate with him. Joe Eszterhas Judah Maccabee MovieMaccabee teamed with his father and four brothers to lead the Jewish revolt against the Greek-Syrian armies that had conquered Judea in the second century B.C. Gibson has the first option to direct but will definitely produce the film through his Icon Productions banner. It’s understandable why Warner Bros would want to be back in business with Gibson, who was once a high-profile fixture there and who made a fortune for that studio with the Lethal Weapon series and other films.
Having put some painful personal issues behind him, Gibson is determined to get back to making movies. He has long wanted to make this film about heroic Jews, and it was discussed even when he was under fire after his drunken anti-Semitic rant during a 2006 Malibu arrest. Maccabee’s triumph and struggle against tyranny and oppression where people gave their lives so that others would be free to worship is celebrated by Jews all over the world through Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
(Excerpt) Read more at deadline.com ...
The Book of Maccabees is one of my favorites. Gibson, for all his troubles, will be faithful to the book, I’m sure.
I don’t know about the movie but Mel could be entertaining.
Gibson looking for redemption?
Everybody has warts. Gibsons Dad is a nut, he’s a recovering alcoholic and refuses to take medication for being bipolar. I’m surprised that he’s a success with those stumbling blocks. But his work is always good.
Yay! Mel is back with his epics.
I have really missed him as he is about the only Hollywood actor/director I will pay to see. He does extraordinary work.
Actually, he is the only Hollywood personality I have paid to see in a movie since about 1990.
This is exciting news! Can’t wait! I believe these books are in the Catholic Bible.
Looking forward to seeing Judah bursting through the gate and mowing down an entire Roman legion with a machine gun in each hand while screaming with a maniacal look on his face.
Wouldn't be Roman, would be Seleucid.
I’m looking forward to seeing the film
I thought Gibson was incredible in “The Beaver.” While some of the script at the very end got predictable, he captured the essence of depression.
Blah blah.
Braveheart with a Menorah.
I don’t look to Hollywood for biblical commentary.
I didn't see that movie. I guess that Gibson has had his share of good performances.
The Passion of Christ was very faithfully portrayed.
Sorry you don’t want to hear or see the truth.
Greek, not Roman. The Romans — Rome was then in its infancy as a world power — are briefly mentioned in 2 Macc (IIRC) as allies of the Jews.
Hannukah is referred to in the New Testament as the feast of the dedication (John 10.22): “it was then the dedication in Jerusalem, it was winter, and Jesus walked in the temple in the stoa of Solomon...”
Good for him. He’s made some wonderful movies.
Judaea was then part of the Seleucid Empire which had a Greek-speaking elite, not necessarily of Greek ancestry; the Seleucids were of Macedonian origin, descended from one of Alexander’s generals.
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