Mel Gibson | Maximus – Gladiator

In the entertainment industry, rumors spread like wildfire. Besides a couple of celebrity antics, some of these rumors also tackle film-related topics, like how one actor is reportedly set for a role in an upcoming movie.To this day, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator takes credit for being one of cinema’s most remarkable entries. Throughout production, though, rumors came that Mel Gibson was the director’s first choice to portray Maximus Decimus Meridius.

Well, Scott eventually debunked the story and claimed that Crowe was his only choice since day one. Even so, it would’ve been pretty neat to see the Braveheart actor work on another historical epic. Making the film may have had its challenges, but that didn’t stop Gladiator from becoming a smashing success. Besides garnering widespread acclaim, it also won plenty of accolades, including two Academy Awards: a Best Picture Award and a Best Actor Award for Crowe.