Mel Gibson excited to eat meat pies again, transforms Sydney suburb Richmond into 1940s US for ‘Hacksaw Ridge’

Popular actor-director Mel Gibson is excited to be back in Australia again just under a year for his directorial venture “Hacksaw Ridge.” He wants to eat Australian meat pies that he loves and is quite happy with the talent here. He is currently in Sydney’s far north-west, Richmond and has transformed the suburb into the 1940s city of Lynchburg, Virginia.

The American flag is flying high above the Richmond RSL sub-branch. The area has been scattered with autumn leaves to add to the flavour of those times and also to create the hometown of Desmond Doss, the first American conscientious objector to win the Medal of Honour. He refused to carry arms or kill enemy combatants and single-handedly saved the lives of over 75 of his comrades during the brutal Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

According to 9 News, Gibson spoke to Richard Wilkins, Entertainment Editor of Channel 9 and expressed that he loves being behind the camera more than in front of it.

“Directing is the most fun you can have standing up. And it satisfies my megalomania tendencies,” Gibson joked.

When asked on the talent available here, Gibson remarked that “the pool is vast” and it is very difficult to decide as there are too many talents “and not enough roles.” He added that he reluctantly had to say “no” to a lot of keen actors.

Gibson admitted he misses Australian cuisine and is going to fully cherish the days he will be filming in Australia.

“I get to see my brothers and sisters and some old friends, and that’s a good thing. I get to exercise what I love doing, but I get to do it here, where you can get a pie with sauce,” he said.

Excited locals have already started stalking the set. They are hoping they will catch a glimpse of beloved actor-director Gibson and the stellar cast accompanying him, reports 9 News.

“I certainly hope the film is a smashing success and that folk want to visit the locations long after it has done its time at the box office,” said Matt Lawrence, Editor at Hawkesbury Gazette.

“Hacksaw Ridge” stars Hugo Weaving, Vince Vaughn, Andrew Garfield, Luke Bracey, Sam Worthington, TeresaPalmer, Rachel Griffiths and Ryan Corr. Hacksaw Ridge is set for a 2016 release.

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