Mel Gibson just can’t keep away from controversy. Known better now for his offensive rants than for his Oscar-winning work directing “Braveheart,” Gibson tried for something of a comeback this year with his star turn in friend Jodie Foster’s film “The Beaver.” The movie, in which he played a man dealing with his demons, not unlike himself, got good reviews, but didn’t excite audiences.

Now it seems it wasn’t enough to make the contentious film about Jesus’ last days, “The Passion of the Christ.” He’s signed to make a film about another man from Jewish history — this time one whose heroic deeds are honored every year. And he’s doing it with another figure many in Hollywood love to hate.