Screenwriter of Mad Max 2 and Payback Terry Hayes is not optimistic that Mel Gibson’s acting career will ever recover from the controversies that have dogged the actor in recent years.

Hayes who considers Gibson a friend and has worked with him on six movies, some that never made it to screen says in his heart, he doesn’t think Gibson can overcome the controversies.

Gibson was arrested in 2006 for drunk driving, during which he told police that "the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."  In 2010 a tape emerged of a sexist, racist rant over the phone which Gibson is alleged to have directed at the estranged mother of his child.

Speaking to The Green Room, Hayes says he was shocked when he heard the anti-Semitic comments reported and had never heard such comments from the actor.

Asked if Gibson had a future in film Hayes said:

“Ah in my heart no. I think there is a way back and I think that is in directing movies because I think he is a very good director. ..but I’ve read he doesn’t want to spend his own money making a movie.”

“It seems Hollywood is not in a very forgiving mood..so if they don’t give you the money and you don’t want to spend your own  money, I don’t think you will be able to make a film.”

Hayes has published his first novel I Am Pilgrim, which is already on bestseller lists around the world and is to be adapted to screen by MGM studios.

The writer said he would choose Daniel Day Lewis to play the lead role, since he is the best actor around.

Adding that since Day Lewis listens to The Green Room, there was a good chance he would take the role.

Listen here for the full interview with Terry Hayes on The Green Room with Orla Barry (Saturdays 9pm-11pm) 

 I Am Piligrim is published by Bantam Press and is available in bookstores now