Mel Gibson to direct WWII drama 'Destroyer'

May 1 (UPI) -- Mel Gibson is attached to direct a World War II drama titled Destroyer that centers on the Battle of Okinawa and the USS Laffey.

Destroyer, from Hollywood Gang Productions, is based on author John Wukovits nonfiction book Hell From the Heavens: The Epic Story of the USS Laffey and World War II's Greatest Kamikaze Attack. The USS Laffey withstood multiple kamikaze attacks, giving it the nickname "The Ship That Would Not Die," Variety reported.

Rosalind Ross, Gibson's longtime girlfriend who worked on television series Matador, wrote the script.

Destroyer will be Gibson's second World War II offering. He directed 2016's Hacksaw Ridge, starring Andrew Garfield, that also took place during the Battle of Okinawa.

Gibson is also being eyed to appear in Warner Bros. adaptation of The Six Billion Dollar Man starring Mark Wahlberg in the lead role, The Hollywood Reporter noted. The pair last starred opposite each other in comedy sequel Daddy's Home 2.

Gibson is also developing a sequel to The Passion of the Christ, tentatively titled The Resurrection. Gibson, who directed The Passion of the Christ, is expected to produce, direct or do both. Jim Caviezel, who previously portrayed Jesus Christ, is in negotiations to return.