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As if a lack of script ever bothered anyone in Hollywood, Disney's ABC announced late yesterday that they have canceled Mel Gibson's mini-series about the Holocaust not because the star is a drunken hate mongrel, but because his production company hasn't even given the network a script yet.
"Given that it's been nearly two years and we have yet to see the first draft of a script, we have decided to no longer pursue this project with Icon," Hope Hartman, a spokesperson for Disney told the New York Times.
Disney was put into a tough predicament this weekend after Gibson was exposed as being a possible anti-Semite. The network lucked-out when they realized they had the perfect excuse out of the deal. But what's ironic is, had Gibson actually come out with the mini-series on the family-friendly network, it would have probably been the most controversial mini-series since "Roots". And by controversial we also mean popular.
Because who wouldn't want to see history through the eyes of a talented director who has nothing but disdain for the protagonists?
It wasn't as if anyone had high expectations for "Passion of the Christ" after it had been rejected by Hollywood, but Gibson took on the sticky subject and helmed one of the most spectacular successes in film history. Certainly a mini-series about the Holocaust by the suddenly infamous director would also have a similar possibility for huge financial rewards. Particularily in the wake of what happened in Malibu a few days ago.
If Mel Gibson truly was sorry for what he reportedly said, there could be nothing better than an epic and sweeping apology delivered free via television, told through the tale of a tragedy that never will be forgotten.
Regardless of who says that they wont watch it now, if it's good they'll watch it then. The network with the chutzpah to give Gibson a chance will probably gain more than they'll lose.
Unless Mad Max gets drunk again and starts talking shit about how OJ's not guilty or something...
photo by Clare BK via Flickr