Jude Law nearly starred in The Patriot alongside Mel Gibson, a casting choice that would have brought together two rising stars of their era in a major historical epic. This alternate version almost became reality in the year 2000, but Law ultimately declined the role, leading to a significant moment in both his career and that of Jason Isaacs, who eventually played the villainous British officer.
Mel Gibson’s Box Office Power and The Patriot’s Major Impact
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mel Gibson stood as one of the most dominant figures in Hollywood, widely recognized for his dramatic range and immense popularity. In 2000 alone, he headed major box office successes including the romantic comedy What Women Want, lent his voice to the animated feature Chicken Run, and played a classic action hero in The Patriot. This last film, a large-scale Revolutionary War saga directed by Roland Emmerich, not only topped the financial charts but also earned Gibson an unprecedented $25 million paycheck for his leading role as Benjamin Martin, a South Carolina farmer driven to war after a personal tragedy at the hands of a brutal British officer.
The Patriot became known for its old-fashioned epic style, echoing Gibson’s triumph with Braveheart, featuring high emotional stakes and grand visuals. It also provided significant roles for up-and-coming actors, notably the late Heath Ledger, who portrayed Gabriel, the determined eldest son of Benjamin Martin. The film’s antagonist, Colonel William Tavington, was eventually brought to life by Jason Isaacs in a performance marked by intensity and theatrical flair.
Jude Law’s Near-Casting as the Villain in The Patriot
Fresh from his breakthrough performance as Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr. Ripley, Jude Law was reportedly offered the part of Colonel Tavington in The Patriot. According to Jason Isaacs, who shared the story in a 2025 Collider interview, Law was the preferred choice for the role. Isaacs described the process, saying the job
“was on offer to Jude Law, and Jude hadn’t given them an answer yet.”
—Jason Isaacs, Actor. As the casting search continued and pressure mounted for Law to decide, Isaacs’ own agent suggested that his efforts to send in an audition tape were largely intended to prompt Law to respond.
The situation resolved only after several weeks, when Law officially decided to step away from the part, a choice reportedly cleared with Mel Gibson himself. Isaacs confirmed,
“That’s how I got the film part in The Patriot,”
—Jason Isaacs, Actor. The casting pivot dramatically altered the film, allowing Isaacs to deliver his memorable and sinister performance, which has since become a staple of his filmography.
Law’s Rising Star and the Aftermath of His Career Choice
At the time, Jude Law was on an upward trajectory in both Hollywood and international cinema, known for his compelling presence and versatility on screen. Given that The Patriot was produced before The Talented Mr. Ripley’s release and Law’s resulting Oscar nomination, casting decisions reflected ongoing judgments about marketability and star power. Mel Gibson’s involvement likely influenced these choices, as producers sought actors whose profiles would strengthen the film’s appeal.
Heath Ledger, who played Gabriel Martin, was following his own rapid ascent from teen idol to dramatic actor, making The Patriot a platform for young talent opposite a well-established star. Casting Law as Colonel Tavington would have placed him in direct contrast to Gibson, potentially leading to further typecasting as a European antagonist to American leads. Instead, Law’s exit from the film led to other opportunities, such as his acclaimed role in the historical drama Cold Mountain, which earned him another Oscar nomination three years later.
This decision proved pivotal for both actors involved. Jason Isaacs gained wider recognition for his portrayal of Tavington, while Law’s career continued to flourish, allowing him to explore a range of characters without being defined by roles as the villain in large-scale American epics. Their respective successes underlined how casting choices can reverberate through both individual careers and the wider landscape of Hollywood films.
The Lasting Influence of a Near-Miss Casting
Jude Law nearly starred in The Patriot, and this turning point helped define the paths of several key players in Hollywood at the dawn of the 21st century—including Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, and Jason Isaacs. For audiences and industry insiders alike, the story of this almost-casting demonstrates how behind-the-scenes decisions can shift the course of major films, shaping not just one project but the broader careers of all involved. In the end, The Patriot stood as a landmark for its cast, while Law’s choice opened doors that would further solidify his reputation as one of the defining actors of his generation.
