While it didn’t quite become the Matthew McConaughey style career changer for Vince Vaughn, his turn as gangster Frank Semyon in this season of "True Detective" is a reminder to many that, given the opportunity, the actor, best known for his comic roles, can go serious when required. And it would appear that he wants to stay in that mood for now.
Deadline reports Vaughn has joined Mel Gibson‘s next directorial effort, "Hacksaw Ridge," starring Andrew Garfield and Sam Worthington. While the trade says Robert Schenkkan ("The Quiet American") and Randall Wallace ("Braveheart") penned the script, Inside Film lists Andrew Knight ("The Water Diviner") and Schenkkan, but not Wallace. I guess the credits are still being worked out.
As for the movie, it will tell the true-story tale of Desmond Doss, the only conscientious objector to earn a Congressional Medal Of Honor. The Private First Class of the 307th Infantry Division saved 75 men at the Battle Of Okinawa, completely unarmed, citing his beliefs as a 7th Day Adventist as his reason to not kill others or arm himself. Vaughn is taking the role of Sgt. Howell, whose ideals about war clash with those of Doss, played by Garfield.
Production begins on "Hacksaw Ridge" in September, but it won’t be the only project Gibson is working on. Variety recently reported that he’s been hired to serve as "creative advisor" on the big budget Chinese picture "The Bombing," starring Bruce Willis. Xiao Feng is directing the movie about the bombing of Chongquing by Japanese forces during WWII.
So, a busy time ahead for Gibson who is getting his war game on in a couple of different ways.