Mel Gibson expressed interest in being considered for the lead role in the 1993 film Schindler's List, as revealed by agent Michael Ovitz in a recent interview marking the 30th anniversary of the movie's success at the Oscars in 1994. However, director Steven Spielberg preferred a non-movie star for the role, ultimately casting Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler, for which Neeson received a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
Other actors rumored to have been considered for the role included Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner, and Jack Thompson. Spielberg mentioned that many actors, including movie stars, were interested in playing Schindler, but he promised not to disclose their identities.
In 1996, Mel Gibson won an Oscar for directing and starring in the Best Picture winner Braveheart. However, Gibson faced controversy in 2006 when he made anti-Semitic remarks during a DUI arrest, for which he later apologized.
Despite not being cast in Schindler's List, Gibson has continued his acting career, starring in films like Father Stu and the upcoming John Wick television series The Continental.
Spielberg reflected on Schindler's List, calling it the best movie he has ever made and expressing pride in the film's impact and legacy.
