Mel Gibson, 64, reveals he was told to STOP EATING by the directors of his new film

‘I’m reasonably porky’: Mel Gibson, 64, reveals he was told to STOP EATING by the directors of his new film Fatman to stop him playing an ‘obese’ Santa

Australian actor Mel Gibson might be known for playing some buff characters in a number of hit films over the years, including in Lethal Weapon and Braveheart. 

But the 64-year-old revealed this week that the directors of his new film, Fatman,  told him to stop eating to stop him playing an ‘obese’ Santa Claus. 

Speaking to The Sun, Mel said that he expected to have to put on some weight for the role, but instead was told by Eshom and Ian Nelms to ditch the ‘ice cream and cookies’ for the dark comedy.

‘I’m reasonably porky’: Mel Gibson, 64, reveals he was told to STOP EATING by the directors of his new film Fatman to stop him playing an ‘obese’ Santa. Pictured in Malibu in July 

‘I am reasonably porky,’ Mel told the publication. 

He said he asked Eshom and Ian Nelms if they wanted him to stock up a little bit for the role, but was told he was ‘perfect’ the way he is. 

“Just because we call it Fatman does not mean you have to be obese,” Mel said they told him. 

'Just because we call it Fatman does not mean you have to be obese': Speaking to The Sun, Mel said that he expected to have to put on some weight for the role, but instead was told by Eshom and Ian Nelms to ditch the 'ice cream and cookies' for the dark comedy. Pictured in the film

‘Just because we call it Fatman does not mean you have to be obese’: Speaking to The Sun, Mel said that he expected to have to put on some weight for the role, but instead was told by Eshom and Ian Nelms to ditch the ‘ice cream and cookies’ for the dark comedy. Pictured in the film

He added: ‘Believe me, I have the post 50 years of age insulin gut.’

In the film Fatman, Mel portrays an unorthodox version of Santa Claus, which sees the festive icon transform into a grizzle hitman.  

Mel plays the role of the bitter, gun-toting Santa, who fights to survive against another assassin after he gives coal to the wrong child. 

Dark comedy: In the film Fatman, Mel portrays an unorthodox version of Santa Claus, which sees the festive icon transform into a grizzle hitman. Mel plays the role of the bitter, gun-toting Santa, who fights to survive against another assassin after he gives coal to the wrong child

Dark comedy: In the film Fatman, Mel portrays an unorthodox version of Santa Claus, which sees the festive icon transform into a grizzle hitman. Mel plays the role of the bitter, gun-toting Santa, who fights to survive against another assassin after he gives coal to the wrong child

It's back: It comes after Mel, who recently overcame a battle with Covid-19, confirmed that Lethal Weapon 5 is 'absolutely on the way'

It’s back: It comes after Mel, who recently overcame a battle with Covid-19, confirmed that Lethal Weapon 5 is ‘absolutely on the way’

It comes after Mel, who recently overcame a battle with Covid-19, confirmed that Lethal Weapon 5 is ‘absolutely on the way.’

Last month, Mel appeared on Good Morning America and said Richard Donner, the film’s director, was already working on the next film.

He said: ‘The man who was behind all that, the man who brought it to the screen, and gave it the goodies, is working on it right now. Richard Donner. He’s a legend.’

It comes 22 years after Lethal Weapon 4 was released and producer Dan Lin previously confirmed in January Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are set it star in the fifth film.

The original Lethal Weapon was released in 1987 and the popularity of the detective duo meant that it spawned three sequels. 

Box office hit: It comes 22 years after Lethal Weapon 4 was released and producer Dan Lin previously confirmed in January Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are set it star in the fifth film. The original Lethal Weapon was released in 1987 and the popularity of the detective duo meant that it spawned three sequels. Pictured: a still from Lethal Weapon 2 in 1989

Box office hit: It comes 22 years after Lethal Weapon 4 was released and producer Dan Lin previously confirmed in January Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are set it star in the fifth film. The original Lethal Weapon was released in 1987 and the popularity of the detective duo meant that it spawned three sequels. Pictured: a still from Lethal Weapon 2 in 1989