Mel Gibson has revealed he wants to direct his friend Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man 4.

The actor – who has directed movies including The Passion Of The Christ, Apocalypto and Oscar-winner Braveheart – is very close to the Iron Man star, who once said he would like to see Mel take the reins on one of the superhero films.

A picture of Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr at an awards ceremony
Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr are close friends (Chris Pizzello/AP/Press Association Images)

Asked about it by Extra TV, Mel said: “I’m pretty good at directing. I think I got some statues for it. I think I can do it.”

He went on: “I think I’m a better director than actor. I hope somebody gives me an argument on that.”

A picture of Mel Gibson at the Oscars
Mel Gibson’s film Braveheart was an Oscar-winner (Damian Dovarganes/AP/Press Association Images)

However, Mel might not get his wish as it doesn’t look as if a fourth Iron Man movie is in the pipeline.

Star Robert recently appeared on The Late Show and told host David Letterman: “There are no plans for an Iron Man 4.”

When the host quizzed him again about whether he would make another film in the franchise, Robert said: “Just between us, no. But I’m going to do other stuff with Marvel. I’m still going to be involved with Marvel, and there’s going to be plenty of fun stuff to happen.”