Mel Gibson was approached by director Luc Besson to play the lead role of Korben Dallas in the science fiction film The Fifth Element (1997). After three months of consideration, Gibson declined the opportunity, and Bruce Willis was subsequently cast in the part. The Fifth Element went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of 1997, making it a significant project that Gibson passed on.

Besson has explained that Gibson was his first choice because the actor's office was adjacent to his at Warner Brothers, and Gibson regularly consulted him about the role over the three-month period. Willis initially hesitated about accepting the part, concerned that the ambitious and expensive production represented too much risk following earlier box office disappointments. Industry observers have noted that Willis proved better suited to the stoic, serious character, as Gibson typically brings more eccentric and energetic qualities to his performances in major films, which would have conflicted with the film's existing quirky supporting characters.