Once again, the famous anti-Semitic Mel Gibson is the subject of Jewish controversy, though this time it is in somewhat of a surprising capacity.

Gibson is slated to produce and possibly direct a Warner Bros. adaptation of the story of the Jewish hero, Judah Maccabee.

The film is said to be an as-yet-untitled heroic drama scripted by "Basic Instinct" writer, Joe Eszterhas. Some in Hollywood are citing rumors suggesting that Gibson may even play the character of Judah Maccabee himself.

Judah Maccabee is famous within Judaism for being a 2nd century Jewish warrior hero who led a small revolt of Jews against the the Greek-Syrian armies, liberating Jerusalem.

Many are wondering why Gibson, who has publicly spewed anti-Semitic rhetoric on more than one occasion, (most famously during his 2006 DUI arrest), would be chosen to portray such an iconic figure within Judaism.

Jewish leaders have already began to speak out about Gibson's association with the film. Abraham Foxman, the director of the Anti Defamation League, told The Hollywood Reporter: "Judah Maccabee deserves better. He is a hero of the Jewish people and a universal hero in the struggle for religious liberty. It would be a travesty to have his story told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people's religious views."

Reportedly, Gibson has wanted to make a film about Judah Maccabee for some time.

Deadline was the first to report the news of the project.