Mel Gibson to direct DiCaprio in Viking movie

Yahoo - AFP ^ | 12/14/09

[Borges]

Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson's next directing project will be an as-yet untitled film about Vikings, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, "Variety" reported on Monday.

Gibson is to direct DiCaprio in an untitled period drama set during Viking times, according to the film industry bible, which reported that veteran script writer William Monahan also has signed on to the project.

[brownsfan]

Let’s see, I think I know the formula:

There’s this viking guy, living off the land, just wanting to lead a simple life.

Someone dear to him is killed in a conflict with the English. This sets the viking off and he kills every Englishman in sight. The viking becomes a hero, and saves his country. He then returns to a simple peaceful life.

Braveheart/Patriot set in Norway?

[allmendream]

I could see DeCrappio as the sniveling Viking prince, a warmer of benches, not to be found when men trade blows, one who is shy of the sword and flinches from the shot.

But as a Viking hero...... not really.

[allmendream]

In OTHER Viking news. They cast the guy who played Kirk's father as Marvel Comic's "Thor". He seems more convincing as the Viking hero.

[al_c]

DiCaprio? As a viking??!!! LOL!!!!!!!!

[PrairieRoot]

Yeah, I’m hoping he does a good job too. A Viking-era movie on par with Braveheart would be fantastic.

[IYAS9YAS]

Give an econut a sword, and he makes a knife.

Can I give that to me daughter when you die?

[brownsfan]

“But I was watching the Aviator the other night & I have to admit that he did a good job as Howard Hughes. I’ll wait to see if he can do a Viking.”

I don’t care for the man’s politics, but he’s a capable actor. He did a nice job in The Departed. I DiCaprio will do fine as a viking, although, his physical stature isn’t quite what I’d expect of a viking. Even though that’s more mythology than fact.

[jetson]

DiCaprio as a Viking....hahahahahahahaha!!! I’m sure this “Viking” movie will rank right up there with “The Saga of the Viking Women.”

I agree that Deccraprio is kind of femmy but he is a hell of an actor and it is amazing what these trainers can do with these guys in short time. I am still amazed by the change in william Hurt, Robert Downey Junior and Mickey Rourke. Man did they buff up. And Vikings are kind of femmy looking anyway.

[PrairieRoot]

“So, the dog can jump.”

[stuartcr]

Or “Blood Diamond”

[agere_contra]

I disagree with you guys. I used to loathe DiCaprio, but he’s grown a ‘tough-as-nails’ screen persona post-Titanic.

For instance: he was terrific in ‘Blood Diamond’.

But for you die-hard DiCaprio-deniers, I guarantee that he will get beaten up on screen by the bad guys in ‘Viking’. Worth the price of a ticket perhaps :0)

[jetson]

Ukranians aren't femmy!

[stuartcr]

I don’t see how politics has much to do with his job?

[StolarStorm]

He might not be playing a viking, but rather a slave of them. There is a good Stephan Lawhead book about a saint (monk) who is captured by Viking and converts them. Could be the story line..

[70th Division]

WOW! Talk about macho. What was Tom Cruse busy?

[PrairieRoot]

Yes, I tend not to listen to actors when they speak anything other than their lines so hopefully whatever role DiCaprio plays he’ll do it well. BTW, Hollywood portrayals of Vikings may be “fem” but I doubt the coastal inhabitants of England thought of them that way.

[brownsfan]

“I don’t see how politics has much to do with his job?”

Did I say that?

I don’t see how you can read things that weren’t said into my comments. Must be a deficiency on your part?

[Clemenza]

That would actually be funny if it were a comedy of Jews vs. Vikings. Eric the Red searching for “Gelt.”

[Tijeras_Slim]

That would best be directed by the other Mel.

I think Leo should reprise Borgnine’s role as Ragnar. Instead of leaping into a wolf pit, he’d hop into a wading pool full of pomeranians.

[discostu]

Could be a very unintentionally funny movie.