Mel Gibson spotted dining in suburban Brisbane

Aussie superstar Mel Gibson has been spotted dining in Brisbane, adding to speculation his next blockbuster could be filmed in Queensland.

HOLLYWOOD superstar Mel Gibson made a surprise appearance at an Brisbane seafood bistro this afternoon for a lowkey lunch, amid rumours he is preparing to shoot his next film in Queensland.

The staff of The Fish Factory at Morningside, who were star struck when Mr Gibson strolled in with three friends around 12.30pm, said he behaved like any other customer.

Co-owner of The Fish Factory Chris Savva said he was thrilled to have had such a huge star visit, saying he is a “wise man” for choosing his shop.

“I’m a big fan, as a kid I loved his movies like Lethal Weapon, Mad Max,” he said.

“When you chase the best seafood - he’s obviously done his research.”

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The Aussie legend has been rumoured to be filming his next big hit on the Gold Coast – a World War II film.

Rumours surfaced mid last year that Gibson toured the Village Roadshow Studios at Oxenford and was spotted meeting with Screen Queensland executives in Brisbane in June last year.

Mark Wahlberg has also said he was to star in Gibson’s movie to be shot in Queensland.

Mel Gibson at The Fish Factory at Morningside today with owner Chris Savva.

Mr Savva said he was shocked to see Gibson in suburban Morningside.

“We’ve had our fare share of sport stars like Mal Meninga and Sam Thaiday, but not the likes of Mel Gibson here in Morningside.

“You don’t get a superstar, a legend in a bistro. He was really approachable. I’m a big fan. I was stunned to have him dining here. It was pretty special.

“He was meeting with some associates over lunch. I don’t know why he is in Brisbane.”

He said Gibson was in no hurry, enjoying the seafood restaurant from noon to 1.30pm.

“He was really lovely,” said waitress Mia Sol Chapman who served the movie star.

“When I sat them down and asked if they wanted any water he said ‘tap water is fine.’ He was so low maintenance and one of the nicest customers.

“I tried as best as I could to act calm around him because I’m sure many people freak out when they find out it’s him.”

Ms Sol Chapman said Mr Gibson and his colleagues treated themselves to some of Queensland’s iconic seafood, ordering salt and pepper calamari, prawn cutlets and salmon from the menu.

“He himself (Mr Gibson) got a medium-well salmon with a fennel salad,” said Ms Chapman.

“He was very excited that we gave him roast veg. Then he got a double espresso and went on his way.”

Morningside is nearby to the $12 million fit-for-purpose Screen Queensland Studios in Hemmant, which opened in February and were used to shoot Paramount Pictures movie Monster Problems.

His presence in Brisbane fuels speculation that the actor and director is filming his next blockbuster, a World War II film, in the state.

The Courier-Mail revealed last year that Gibson toured the Village Roadshow Studios at Oxenford and was spotted meeting with Screen Queensland executives in Brisbane in June.

Mark Wahlberg has also said he was set to star in Gibson’s movie to be shot in Queensland.

Screen Queensland declined to comment on Mr Gibson’s visit yesterday.