Mel Gibson Makes Directorial Comeback with Thriller 'Flight Risk'
Academy Award-winning director Mel Gibson is set to return to the director's chair with 'Flight Risk,' a high-stakes thriller starring Mark Wahlberg. This marks Gibson's first directorial effort since his 2016 war drama 'Hacksaw Ridge,' which earned six Oscar nominations.
The new film follows a troubled pilot, played by Wahlberg, who transports mysterious cargo for dangerous criminals. The project, which will be distributed by Lionsgate, represents Gibson's return to mainstream Hollywood filmmaking and adds to his impressive directorial portfolio that includes acclaimed works like 'Braveheart' and 'Apocalypto.'
'Flight Risk' is being produced by Thunder Road Films, the company behind successful franchises like 'John Wick.' The screenplay, written by Jared Rosenberg, reportedly caught Gibson's attention due to its intense narrative and complex character development, elements that have been hallmarks of his previous directorial works.
Production is scheduled to begin in early 2024, with filming locations set across multiple international destinations. The project reunites Gibson with Wahlberg following their collaboration in the 2017 comedy 'Daddy's Home 2,' though this marks their first time working together in a director-actor capacity.
This announcement comes as Gibson continues to navigate his return to Hollywood's mainstream after years of controversy. The film's production represents a significant step in his directorial career, potentially opening doors for future projects behind the camera.