Mel Gibson to Play Rowdy Santa Claus in 'Fatman'

The action comedy — heading to the Cannes market — is a darkly comic Christmas movie.

Ho ho ho, it's, er, Mel Gibson!

The actor is set to suit up as Santa Claus in upcoming action comedy Fatman, heading to the Cannes market with Fortitude (CAA reps for U.S.)

The film, about a spoilt kid who hires a hitman to kill the famously festive Lapland resident, will be directed by Ian and Eshom Nelms (Small Town Crime, Waffle Street, Lost on Purpose), based on their original script. It will be produced by Brandon James of Rough House, Nadine de Barros (JT Leroy) of Fortitude and Lisa Wolofsky (White Crow) of Skywolf.

"I am excited to be working with the incredibly talented Nelms Brothers who have written a unique, highly entertaining script" said de Barros. "Mel is the perfect choice as Kris Kringle like we've never seen him before. I couldn't be more thrilled to watch this darkly comedic Christmas film come to life."

Scheduled to film early 2020 in Canada, Fatman is the story of a rowdy, unorthodox Santa who is fighting his business decline. Meanwhile, Billy, a neglected and precocious 12-year-old hires a hitman to kill Santa after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking.

"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!” said the Nelms.

Executive producers include James’ Rough House Partners, David Gordon Green, Danny McBride and Jody Hill.

Gibson is represented by CAA, Nelms by Ilene Feldman Management, LBI Entertainment, ICM Partners and Morris, Yorn, Rubenstein.