Mel Gibson becomes Santa in new 'rowdy, hitman-based' comedy

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Mel Gibson will be stepping into the shoes of Santa Clause in an upcoming independent action comedy titled 'Fatman'. Fortitude is taking the helm on international sales and will be presenting the project at the Cannes Film Festival.

The premise of Fatman, described by Variety is a "rowdy, unorthodox Santa Claus who is fighting his business decline - while a neglected and precocious 12-year-old hires a hitman to kill Santa after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking." The film will be produced by Brandon James of Rough House, Lisa Wolofsky of Skywolf and Nadine de Barros of Fortitude. David Gordon Green, Danny McBride and Jody Hill will also be checking in as Executive Producers.

Fatman's script has been developed by the director team of Ian and Eshom Nelms. Here is what they had to say about the project; "This rowdy Santa tale is a film we've been excited to make for some time and we're thrilled to have equally passionate partners in Rough House and Fortitude who carry the same fire!" Quite the enthusiasm, and a truly eyebrow raising idea for a movie as it has certainly sparked my attention. Mostly just because the idea of Mel Gibson playing an upset strange Santa Claus just seems like a movie I wouldn't pass up on watching. Fatman is scheduled to begin filming early 2020 with a location based in Canada.