Schindler's List 30th anniversary article. Mel Gibson wanted to to play Schindler
From 30 anniversary piece
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/schindlers-list-oral-history-steven-spielberg-liam-neeson-1235830436/share
Neeson tested for the part — and then there was radio silence. Rumors abounded about who else Spielberg was considering.
NEESON I heard Harrison Ford’s name. Costner’s name. The Australian actor Jack Thompson — I thought, “Oh, yeah, Jack looks very like Schindler.” I looked nothing like Schindler. Anyway, it was always in the back of my head, but I wasn’t holding out huge hope.
SPIELBERG A lot of people were interested in playing Schindler, and a lot of them were movie stars, and to all of them I promised never to divulge any of their history with me, so I’m not saying those names are accurate. I’m saying there were a number of people, even more than the names you gave me.
OVITZ Mel Gibson’s name came up. He was interested. His agent put him forward. But it wasn’t going to happen. Steven wanted a non-movie star for the part.