ROBERT DOWNEY JR. WANTS MEL GIBSON TO DIRECT 'IRON MAN 4'

If Robert Downey Jr. seriously has as much pull with Marvel as we've heard, Mel Gibson may get the chance to direct Iron Man 4. Marvel Studios would love another installment, but Downey Jr. will only do it if his pal Gibson calls the shots. During a recent interview with Deadline, Downey Jr. was asked about his request for Gibson and he responded, "Correct...Why not? That [Iron Man 4] movie would be bananas." He added to Gibson's defense, “Nobody should make a case for somebody who just wants forgiveness but hasn't changed, but he's a fundamentally different guy. But honestly we are talking about a competitive business and it all comes down to this: because he is so gifted as a story teller and a director, I don't know that he requires some sort of mass forgiveness. He and I are so similar in so many ways. He really, honestly is the first to admit his character defects and also is just a great, great collaborative guy." Downey Jr. and Gibson worked together in 1990's Air America and continued to be friends throughout the years. They later teamed up again in 2003 for The Singing Detective directed by Gibson. During that time, Downey Jr. was considered uninsurable in Hollywood due to his drug fueled days, but Gibson gave him a shot and reportedly paid out of pocket to have him insured for the film.