Warner Bros has tapped Joe Eszterhas to write and Mel Gibson will produce through his Icon Productions company a film about the life of Judean hero Judah Maccabee, with Gibson also possibly involved as director. In an interview with the Associated Press, Gibson’s publicist said WB is interested in the Oscar winner returning to the director’s chair for the project. “He is the first choice for the studio to direct it, but until there’s a deal in place and a script that’s finished, it will be his choice as to whether to direct it or not,” stated publicist Alan Nierob.
But no matter what his ultimate role is in the project – producer, director, actor – the fact Gibson, who has made anti-Semitic remarks in the past, is associated at all with a film based on the life of Maccabee has sparked controversy. Anti-Defamation League (ADL) National Director Abraham H. Foxman issued the following statement in response to the news:
We would have hoped that Warner Bros. could have found someone better than Mel Gibson to direct or perhaps even star in a film on the life of the Jewish historical icon Judah Maccabee. As a hero of the Jewish people and a universal hero in the struggle for religious liberty, Judah Maccabee deserves better. It would be a travesty to have the story of the Maccabees told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people’s religious views.
Not only has Mel Gibson shown outward antagonism toward Jews and Judaism in his public statements and actions, but his previous attempt to bring biblical history to life on the screen was marred by anti-Semitism. Rather than listen to respected religious leaders, both Christian and Jewish, who voiced concerns then about the insensitive elements of his depiction of the last hours and crucifixion of Jesus, Gibson showed contempt for those voices and refused to make changes that might have helped turn his passion of hate into a passion of love.
While we do not argue with Mel Gibson’s right to make this film, we still strongly believe that Warner Bros. should reconsider Gibson’s involvement in this project.
There’s no word yet on when production is expected to begin on the untitled Judah Maccabee biopic.
