Mel Gibson, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his iconic roles in action films, is set to reestablish himself as a leading Mel Gibson action hero parent with the upcoming movie, Hunting Season. The 69-year-old Hollywood figure will play a reclusive survivalist and devoted father who must safeguard his daughter from a dangerous drug kingpin. The film is scheduled for release in theaters and on digital platforms on December 5, 2025.
Directed by Raja Collins and written by Adam Hampton, Hunting Season also features Sophia Hublitz, Shelly Hennig, and Jordi Mollà alongside Gibson. The story follows the arrival of a mysterious woman who changes the lives of a spirited twelve-year-old girl and her fiercely protective father, setting off a deadly chase pursued by a ruthless drug lord.
“When a mysterious young woman washes up on the bank of a local river, both the feisty twelve year old girl who discovers her and the overprotective father are forever changed by the arrival of this mysterious stranger into their home, and by the ruthless drug lord who will stop at nothing to kill her once and for all.”
— Raja Collins, Director
Mel Gibson’s Complex Journey Back to the Spotlight
Mel Gibson’s Hollywood career has been marked by controversy, including allegations of domestic abuse and offensive comments that nearly sidelined him during the mid-2000s. Despite this, he has gradually made a return to the industry, now even serving as a special ambassador. His role in Hunting Season appears to capitalize on his rugged appeal and established reputation as a tough, protective figure.
This new film echoes Gibson’s 2016 action drama Blood Father, in which he played a protective father with a specific set of survival skills. That film received strong praise, holding an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of Gibson’s most successful later-career projects. It remains to be seen if Hunting Season will achieve similar acclaim.
Upcoming Projects and Possible Franchise Revival
In addition to star roles, Gibson is also preparing for directing responsibilities with his long-awaited biblical sequels to The Passion of the Christ, currently filming in Italy. He is also linked to potential new installments in the Lethal Weapon franchise, where he originally gained fame as a tough detective balancing violence and humor.
Filmmaker Allan Ungar, who directed Gibson in the 2022 crime thriller Bandit, recently shared insights about the actor’s thoughts on continuing the Lethal Weapon series.
“You know, [I] ended up speaking with Mel [Gibson] quite a bit about his intentions for the fifth one (Lethal Weapon), which, you know, I don’t know where it’s at in the development world, with Warner Brothers and New Line. He’s always had a plan. I think his plan right now, though, is to get back into the Passion of the Christ, which is shooting in Italy, so I think he’s going to be busy with that for a while. I don’t know if we’ll ever see Lethal Weapon 5, but I also don’t know, I don’t know that we need to see it. Yeah, kind of wrapped it up quite poignantly.”
— Allan Ungar, Filmmaker
Significance of Gibson’s Return and Future Prospects
Mel Gibson’s return with Hunting Season is not only significant for his own career revival but for audiences seeking intense, character-driven action films centered on paternal protection and survival. His portrayal as an action hero parent highlights themes of loyalty, danger, and resilience in the face of ruthless threats.
As Gibson juggles directing historical epics and his hopes for future franchise entries, Hunting Season represents a critical point in his evolving legacy. The film’s release at the end of 2025 will provide a clearer picture of whether Gibson can reclaim his position as a top-tier action star while navigating the unsettled history that surrounds him in Hollywood.
