Can Mel Gibson turn his fortunes around? It’s a question that’s still mostly searching for an answer, especially since his latest film, The Beaver, got a decent reception at Cannes but has largely flopped in the US. And after all the hullabaloo about his cancelled cameo in the Hangover sequel, now it seems he’s looking at another new role, entering talks to join the cast of heist comedy Sleight of Hand.
The first batch of casting for the movie was just announced last week, with Keifer Sutherland, Gerard Depardieu, Til Schweiger, Thomas Jane, Eric Cantona, Johnny Hallyday and Jon Lovitz all reportedly aboard for a comedy about bungling Parisian burglars who inadvertently make off with a rare coin belonging to a gangster.
While Gibson isn’t officially confirmed yet, Casino Royale/Quantum of Solace’s Giancarlo Giannini is locked in. Brad Mirman is calling the shots for the film, which kicks off shooting in Paris this July.
It remains to be seen whether Mel actually commits to the movie, but he does also have crime drama How I Spent My Summer Vacation sitting waiting to find a release slot.