Controversial Hollywood figures and ‘Father Stu’ co-stars Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg team up for a new film, with Gibson back in the director’s chair for the first time since ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.
Gibson directs “Flight Risk” for Lionsgate, which will take the project to Cannes. Davis Entertainment co-produces with Gibson and Bruce Davey through their Icon Productions.
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The logline says Wahlberg will star as “a pilot transporting a dangerous criminal for trial”.
“We love the unmistakable electric combination of Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg,” Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “The combination of these world-class talents for this dynamic, character-driven film will make Flight Risk one of the most exciting must-see events of the year.”
Lionsgate acquired the worldwide distribution rights through Lauren Bixby and Christopher Davis, who negotiated on behalf of the studio. Alex Lebovici of Hammerstone Studios serves as executive producer and financer. Neil Sacker of Sacker Entertainment Law and Alex Lebovici negotiated the deal on behalf of the producers.
In 2021, Gibson teased he would be returning to directing to helm the fifth chapter of the “Lethal Weapon” franchise at an event in London.
“[Franchise director Richard Donner] was developing the screenplay and he got pretty far with it. And one day he said to me, ‘Listen boy, if I kick the bucket, you will.’ And I said, ‘Shut up,'” Gibson said. “He did indeed die, but he asked me to do it, and then I didn’t say anything. He told his wife and the studio and the producer. So I’ll be directing the fifth.
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