Mel Gibson reveals he turned down the role to play Chris Hemsworth's dad in the successful Thor franchise...which was eventually played by Sir Anthony Hopkins

By Amy Lyall For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:12 EST, 26 May 2016 | Updated: 01:15 EST, 27 May 2016

He's starred in his fair share of blockbuster films. 

But Mel Gibson revealed in an interview with The Guardian, published on Thursday, that he passed on the opportunity for a role in a superhero film.

The 60-year-old actor went on to explain that he could have been a part of the Thor franchise, revealing: 'Yeah, long time ago, to play Thor’s dad. But I didn’t do it.'

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Turned it down: Mel Gibson revealed in an interview with The Guardian published on Thursday from his time in Cannes earlier this month that he passed on the role of Thor's dad in the superhero franchise

Turned it down: Mel Gibson revealed in an interview with The Guardian published on Thursday from his time in Cannes earlier this month that he passed on the role of Thor's dad in the superhero franchise

The character he passed up on playing, Odin, the ruler of Asgar, was eventually played by Sir Anthony Hopkins. 

Anthony has reprised his role as the father of Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, in the sequel Thor: The Dark World and the upcoming Thor: Ragnorok which is set for release in 2017.

Russell made the revelation at Cannes Film Festival, where he was promoting his latest project, Blood Father. 

He also spoke to the publication about his transformation for the role.

Superhero: The 60-year-old actor explained that he turned down the role to star alongside Chris Hemsworth, and it was eventually played by Sir Anthony Hoplins 

Superhero: The 60-year-old actor explained that he turned down the role to star alongside Chris Hemsworth, and it was eventually played by Sir Anthony Hoplins 

With a scruffy beard and tattoos, the beefed up 60-year-old embodies the character of American ex-convict John Link and breaks parole to protect his estranged 16-year-old daughter. 

He did a lot of research for the film and delved deeper than just watching documentaries, explaining: 'I talked to members of biker groups; to DEA [Drug Enforcement Administration] guys, guys who infiltrated biker groups, and how they lost themselves.'

Mel also revealed that he learned to tattoo and drew one on a man, with real ink.  

New role: The Hollywood star was at the film festival for his latest project, Blood Father where he plays an American ex-convict who breaks parole to protect his estranged 16-year-old daughter.

New role: The Hollywood star was at the film festival for his latest project, Blood Father where he plays an American ex-convict who breaks parole to protect his estranged 16-year-old daughter.

Characterisation: Mel revealed that he did more than just watch documentaries in preparation for his role and spoke to members of bikie gangs as well as those who had infiltrated bikie gangs and lost themselves 

Characterisation: Mel revealed that he did more than just watch documentaries in preparation for his role and spoke to members of bikie gangs as well as those who had infiltrated bikie gangs and lost themselves 

'I was just drawing little squiggles and pictures on the guy. He was like: "Yeah, go ahead, I don’t care,"' the actor explained. 

The action thriller is set to be released later this year, and Mel has stepped back into his role as director for Hacksaw Ridge, which will also be released this year.

During his time at the festival he seemed very at ease as he hit the red carpet with his 25-year-old girlfriend Rosalind Ross on his arm. 

The Mad Max star couldn't keep his hands off the brunette beauty as they put on an amorous display while posing for the flashing cameras.  

Comfortable: During his time at the festival he seemed very at ease as he hit the red carpet with his 25-year-old girlfriend Rosalind Ross on his arm 

Comfortable: During his time at the festival he seemed very at ease as he hit the red carpet with his 25-year-old girlfriend Rosalind Ross on his arm 

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