Varietyreports that Mel Gibson has written the script for his next film, entitled Apocalypto which -- despite the title -- is said to be non-religious in subject matter. Production starts in Mexico this October, with an eye towards a Summer 2006 release.
Production chiefs went to Gibson's office in Santa Monica this past week to read the script under his watchful eye. Helmer-thesp set secrecy rules because he was distressed that copies of his script for The Passion of the Christ leaked to the media, fueling early controversial reports about the project.
Since Apocalypto is fully financed by Icon, the project was eagerly sought by the various majors and Disney was the winner....
In winning the deal, Disney had to commit to stringent distribution terms. Stepping up to finance his second straight directorial effort puts Gibson is league with George Lucas, who bankrolled his "Star Wars" prequels and made a deal with Fox to distribute them.
Gibson will not star in Apocalypto and may not use a star for the film, which is set in an ancient civilization some 3,000 years ago. The title is a Greek term which means "an unveiling" or "new beginning." Consistent with such Gibson films as Braveheart and Passion, the script depicts abundant action and violence. Gibson has already begun pre-production; he is setting locations and has already begun casting.
It's really the writer's dream: he writes the film, keeps creative control, finances it himself and makes millions when it's a huge hit. Gibson joins George Lucas in living the ultimate screenwriter's fantasy.
