Mel Gibson

Had things gone differently, Mel Gibson could have starred in ‘Gladiator’.

The 69-year-old actor had been offered the role of Maximus Decimus Meridius in Sir Ridely Scott’s 2000 historical epic, though had to decline the part because of his commitment to Roland Emmerich’s ‘The Patriot’.

As a result of his decision, Russell Crowe landed the role, and went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor at the 73rd Academy Awards due to his performance.

Gibson recalled: “I was doing ‘The Patriot’, so I couldn't do ‘Gladiator’.

“So Russell did it, and he did a great job. It's kind of interesting, the things you miss. It's a bunch of stuff.”