If you took the scripts for "Braveheart," the "Mad Max" movies and "The Passion of the Christ," put them in a blender and hit puree, what would you get?

Well, most likely a big pile of confetti. But once you glued the bits all back together, you might end up with "Apocalypto," the next film from action-star-turned-auteur Mel Gibson. With his level of autonomy at an all-time high following the success of "Passion" (a.k.a. The Most Successful Independent Film Ever), Gibson's publicist confirmed that the former "Lethal Weapon" star will use his next project to move into George Lucas territory, with Hollywood happy to play ball.

Following in the sandal-imprinted footsteps of his blockbuster Jesus flick, Gibson will once again write, direct and produce through his Icon production company. The difference, however, is that "Apocalypto" will be produced on a much grander scale, catering to an action-adventure audience Gibson hasn't successfully courted since his late '90s heyday. With the exception of the bearded mastermind behind the "Star Wars" films, few in Hollywood have ever attempted such an ambitiously budgeted project using their own bankroll.

Zeroing in on an ancient civilization that existed 1,000 years before Christ and 3,000 before "Christ," Gibson's next film promises to tell an epic story full of action and violence. Citing concerns of a plot leak, Gibson insisted on keeping his latest baby under wraps, inviting various studio executives to his Santa Monica, California, office this past week to read the closely guarded script. After several companies expressed interest in acquiring the rights to distribute "Apocalypto" domestically (Gibson's company will handle foreign territories), Disney won the bidding war.

The word "Apocalypto" is Greek and roughly translates into "new beginning" or "an unveiling." Gibson won't be unveiling himself in the movie, however, as the Oscar-winning director has insisted that he will remain behind the camera.

Gibson is currently scouting locations and has already begun the casting process, although no actors are attached to star in the flick just yet.

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