Mel Gibson was on the shortlist for the leading role in “Schindler’s List” … but despite his interest, the director was never going to pick him.

When the producers were casting the lead role in the iconic 1993 movie, Mel’s name came up … according to Hollywood agent and CAA co-founder Michael Ovitz, who helped make the film.

Ovitz told The Hollywood Reporter Mel was interested in the project and his agent tried to land him the part … but he says director Steven Spielberg was looking for a “non-movie” star as his leading man.

Mel was, and still is, a huge name in Hollywood … and by 1993 he had just starred in his third ‘Lethal Weapon’ movie … and already had a bunch of popular credits to his name.

Ultimately, Liam Neeson was cast as Oskar Schindler … and he helped the film win 7 Oscars at the 1994 award show, including Best Picture.

The irony here … we first reported on Mel’s racist and antisemitic commentsduring his 2006 DUI arrest. So it’s wild that he was considered for this film back then — which is obviously all about the Holocaust.

Fair to wonder if Steven feels like he dodged a bullet with Mel.