It's been just over eight years since Marvel launched their Cinematic Universe, which has grown exponentially ever since. The studio has often surprised fans with casting decisions, going all the way back to Robert Downey Jr., and their choice for directors, such as the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok's Taika Waititi, a filmmaker best known for indie comedies like What We Do In the Shadows. The studio has also brought in iconic actors for supporting roles in their movies, and it seems that, way back in Phase 1, Marvel approached an Oscar-winning actor/filmmaker to play a key role, although it didn't happen.

The actor/filmmaker in question is none other than Mel Gibson, who put in an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival where he was debuting his new drama Blood Father, where he stars alongside Erin Moriarty. The actor revealed during an interview with The Guardian that Marvel wanted him to play a big role in one of their Phase One movies, but he turned it down. Here's what the actor had to say, when asked if he was ever approached to star in a superhero movie.

"Yeah, long time ago, to play Thor's dad. But I didn't do it."

Of course, Anthony Hopkins went on to land the role of Thor's father, Odin, who appeared in 2011's Thor, 2013's Thor: The Dark World and will also return in Thor: Ragnarok, which starts shooting this summer and has a November 3, 2017 release date in place. Robert Downey Jr. also revealed back in 2014 that he wants Mel Gibson to direct Iron Man 4, but, of course, nothing is set in stone for that project. When asked about his opinions on superhero movies in general, Mel Gibson had this to say.

"Some are good. Some are kind of funny ... Guardians of the Galaxy. Or the first Iron Man. And some of them are just like retreats. I mean you can watch them do Spider-Man five times ... There is a slight shift in film. But, then again, I think all films are suffering from people not being able to now open them with their name. It's a different kind of business these days."

Mel Gibson is currently in post-production on his next directorial effort, Hacksaw Ridge, which, ironically enough, will face Marvel's next movie, Doctor Strange, on November 4. If Hacksaw Ridge is successful, then perhaps Marvel will approach him to direct one of their several superhero adventures currently in the works for Phase 3, but we'll have to wait and see. We'll be sure to keep you posted with any and all updates regarding the MCU as soon as we have more information.