Mel Gibson in talks to direct a WWII film

Scandal-plagued Australian actor and director Mel Gibson may helm "Hacksaw Ridge," a feature film relating Desmond T. Doss's true story as the first draft dodger to receive the US Congressional Medal of Honor.

If the deal is eventually inked, Andrew Garfield ("The Amazing Spider-Man") could portray this American soldier who refused to bear arms and would become a doctor and a national hero during WWII.

"Hacksaw Ridge" would therefore mark Mel Gibson's comeback in the director's chair, implying a fresh Hollywood start after years of ostracism. The Australian star was banished from the Hollywood scene following several scandals, the most memorable being linked to anti-Semitic remarks in 2006.

Backed by well-established friends such as Jodie Foster and Robert Downey Jr, who have lobbied for his cinematic return, Mel Gibson has made several cameo appearances in works like "Machete Kills," or "Expendables 3," among others.

If the deal came to fruition, this would be his fifth film as director.