Francis Ford Coppola’s Dream Collaboration: The Actor He Never Cast

Francis Ford Coppola stands as one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema. Even if his career had ended after his first two Godfather films, his reputation as a creative force would have been secure. But his filmography stretches far beyond that, including titles like Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now. Despite his legendary status, Coppola’s later years have been marked by a string of questionable decisions, both on and off the set. The contrast between his early masterpieces and some of his more recent work is hard to ignore. It’s difficult to reconcile the director who guided Marlon Brando through The Godfather with the one who helmed Robin Williams in Jack.

It’s not just the films themselves that have raised eyebrows. During the release of Megalopolis, stories surfaced about Coppola’s behaviour with female extras, which only added to the film’s already troubled reputation. On top of that, his recent remarks about Hollywood being “too woke” haven’t exactly helped his standing in the industry. All up, it’s become a bit of a challenge for anyone to defend his legacy without reservation.

Shared Paths and Controversial Choices

In a chat with Deseret News back in 1996, Coppola was asked which actors he’d most like to work with. His answer was unexpected:

“Mel Gibson. I would love to do a film with him. But it’s just a matter of finding the right project.”

To be fair, this was before Gibson’s most notorious scandals hit the headlines. By then, Gibson had already made some questionable comments, including remarks about the LGBTQ+ community in 1991, but the major controversies that would later see him sidelined in Hollywood were still to come.

There’s a certain irony in Coppola’s choice. Both he and Gibson have had their share of public missteps. They’ve each won the Oscar for Best Director, taken risks by funding their own projects, and released more than a few duds in recent years. With films like Megalopolis and Flight Risk, it’s anyone’s guess whether either will get another shot at a major release. Still, stranger things have happened.

Comebacks and Second Chances

While Coppola’s reputation in the industry has taken a hit, Gibson managed to claw his way back into the spotlight. After years on the outer, he returned with Hacksaw Ridge in 2016, earning critical praise and another Best Director nomination. For a moment, it looked like he’d been welcomed back into the fold. That was until he was named as Donald Trump’s ‘Special Ambassador to Hollywood’, which quickly reminded everyone why he’d been persona non grata in the first place.

Both men share more than just a knack for controversy. They’ve each weathered storms, bounced back, and kept punters guessing about what they’ll do next. With Coppola turning 87 in 2026, the window for a collaboration is closing fast. If it never happens, though, most reckon the film world will carry on just fine.