The actor is to join 3D Chinese epic The Bombing, which stars Bruce Willis as a US fighter pilot protecting Chongqing against Japanese attack

Mel Gibson has been employed as a consultant on The Bombing, a 3D Chinese blockbuster set during the second world war, according to Variety.

“Mel is interested in what happened during that period of time, and provided relevant suggestions on how to make the movie,” said Shi Jianxiang, founder and CEO of Shanghai Kuailu Investment Group, the company funding the $65m project. “He is very insightful.”

Gibson, still attempting to rebuild his career after a 2006 drink driving arrest led to him shouting antisemitic abuse at a police officer, will join the project as art director and “creative adviser”. Bruce Willis has been cast as the film’s lead. He will play a US fighter pilot who volunteers to help the people of the city of Chongqing defend themselves from Japanese bombing raids.



Bruce Willis signs up for Chinese second world war epic Read more

Both Gibson and Willis have appeared in the Expendables franchise, which has proved extremely popular with Chinese audiences. Willis played CIA agent Mr Church in the first two instalments, while Gibson joined as the evil ex-Expendable Stonebanks in the third film. Willis did not appear in that film, and franchise creator Sylvester Stallone described him as “greedy and lazy” after the actor allegedly sought a $1m-per-day fee.

The Bombing, which will be directed by Xiao Feng, is being brought to the big screen to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the allied victory in the second world war.

“I hope audiences around the world can appreciate the cruelty of war and our courage, determination and capability to fight against it,” Jianxiang said. “China needs such movies that deliver hope and spirit.”