Robert Downey Jr. would return for Iron Man 4 if Mel Gibson directs

Robert Downey Jr. has stated before that there's currently no IRON MAN 4 in the works, most likely due to any negotiating that has to be done to keep him on board. While it doesn't seem like he's ready to step out of the spotlight anytime soon, Downey Jr. knows that the ball's in his court. So what would it take for him to strap on the armor? Well, how about Mel Gibson for starters. In an interview with Deadline Hollywood, Downey Jr. talks about reprising the character and a bit about Mel Gibson's career.

Here's what Downey had to say regarding IRON MAN 4:

DEADLINE: Marvel badly wants IRON MAN 4 and you’ve said you aren’t doing it. How about the idea you’ll do that movie if Mel directs it?

DOWNEY: Correct. Why not? That movie would be bananas.

You can check out the whole interview, which is a worthwhile read, right here. Sure, Robert Downey has his tongue firmly planted in-cheek, but who here would not be down for a Mel Gibson-directed Marvel flick? Say what you will about the man, but he has some serious chops when it comes to directing. While APOCALYPTO came and went with little fanfare, I don't know a single person who's seen it and wasn't enthralled by it's style and story. Get back on the horse, Gibson!

Robert Downey Jr.'s latest, THE JUDGE, hits theaters October 10, 2014.