The studio’s ultimatum

While Paramount Pictures was happy to let Mel Gibson direct his second-ever movie in 'Braveheart', the studio were also insistent he had to star as William Wallace - something that actor did not want to do. 

Instead, Mel wanted to cast 'Sleepers' star Jason Patric in the role, but the studio wouldn’t budge. 

Luckily, the actor was given the thumbs up from screenwriter Randall Wallace, who admitted Mel was his first and only choice to play the historical figure.

He said: "Mel was the only actor I could see who could play this role, he was the only one I wanted. No-one else fit the bill for me."