20 Actors Who Turned Down Major Movie Roles
5. Mel Gibson - Maximus (Gladiator)
Mel Gibson yelling "Are you not entertained?" would have been good, but that's about it. Gibson was the very first actor approached to take the role of titular gladiator Maximus Meridius, but after reading the script he declined the opportunity, stating age as the issue. He felt he was too old for the part, and he therefore wouldn't fit.
The role itself went to Russell Crowe, who won an Academy Award for his performance. Gibson, on the other hand, would go on to make the solid flick The Patriot alongside the late, great Heath Ledger. Though no Gladiator, the film was pretty strong.
Gibson has stated he doesn't regret the decision and that he loved the finished film. It would be funny, looking back, if he was in Gladiator, mainly because he's not quite strong enough an actor to pull off what Crowe achieved. This is one role many will be happy he turned down.