Mel Gibson to direct Leonardo DiCaprio in new Viking tale

Leonardo DiCaprio is teaming up with Mel Gibson for a new Viking movie.

Credit: AP Photo

Producer Graham King is slowly becoming the Kevin Bacon of prestige producers.  The man who championed "The Departed" is now using his unique connections to make the improbable occur: a new Mel Gibson film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Variety reports that the untitled period drama will be set within the world of "Viking culture" and that King's "Departed" screenwriter William Monahan is working on the screenplay.  Unfortunately, many details of the project are remaining secret...for now.

Beyond the fact that Gibson's comeback after his drunk driving incident is almost full circle, this news is made possible by King's connection to all three men.  DiCaprio starred in King's aforementioned Best Picture winner which Monahan wrote.  Monahan also scripted Martin Campbell drama "Edge of Darkness." King also just shepherded Monahan's directorial debut, "London Boulevard," starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley.

Like "Passion of the Christ" and "Apocalypto," this new film will be independently financed and search for a distributor after production is completed.  The film expects to begin shooting towards the end of 2010.

Coincidentally, Marvel Studios will dip into the world of the Vikings with the new superhero film "Thor" which also begins shooting next year.

DiCaprio just finished Christopher Nolan's "Inception" and currently has no other projects on his slate.  Besides "Edge of Darkness," Gibson has wrapped the dramedy "The Beaver" for director Jodie Foster.