3. The Maccabees
The Maccabees actually seemed really likely for awhile. Many thought it would double as both a comeback epic film from the Braveheart director and an apology to the Jewish community. However, things went very wrong and very fast. The film was meant to celebrate Judah Maccabee: a man celebrated as one of the greatest Jewish military figures. He led the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The holiday of Hanukkah is actually partly thanks to the man. The holiday celebrates the restoration of Jewish worship in Jerusalem. That restoration was thanks to Judah Maccabee and his revolt. The film was said to follow said revolt. It sounded like the perfect plot for the man that directed Braveheart and Apocalypto. You know, besides the whole Jewish aspect. After teaming up with screenwriter Joe Eszterhas on the screenplay, things went very badly. Gibson apparently didn't like the script and Eszterhas didn't like Gibson. Another tape was released and Eszterhas released a Kindle Single describing in disturbing detail Gibson's true character and his experience with the man. Yet another public shaming solidified the fact that The Maccabees simply would not hit the big screen with Gibson behind the camera though he claims the film is still in development...