Mel Gibson as Jan Sobieski?

Reports have emerged that Mel 'Madmax' Gibson has been approached to play King Jan Sobieski in an epic movie about the 1683 Siege of Vienna when the Islamic Ottoman Empire tried to overrun Europe.

'All the signs show that he is interested in this project and its theme', Polish film producer Mariusz Bielak was quoted as saying in Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza. "It's his cup of tea.'

The film, which has a working title of Victoria (The Victory), is being billed as the most lavish Polish film of all time, with predicted costs running to 120 million zl. That's six times more costly than 'Quo Vadis', which currently holds the national record.

The script has already been completed by celebrated screenwriter Cezary Harasimowicz. The writer became transfixed by the material, and he promises heady sub-plots involving spies, intrigue and of course, the oft-chronicled romance between Sobieski and his French Queen.

Jan III Sobieski was a charismatic figure. He was a great strategist, a phenomenal knight, and to cap it all, head over heels in love with his wife. This is the kind of figure that Mel Gibson played in 'Braveheart'. But this is a less tragic role - Sobieski triumphed.

The Siege of Vienna is regarded by historians as a turning point in European History. The Catholic Alliance - led by the future Polish King - killed the Turkish threat to Europe.

See also: 17th Century Winged Hussars