Gibson 'to star in Foster film'

The actors, and former co-stars, have both had experience behind the camera

Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is in talks to take the lead role in a film directed by Jodie Foster, reports say.

Trade magazine Variety said Foster will also co-star in The Beaver, about a depressed man who finds solace in his beaver hand-puppet.

The Oscar winners previously starred together in the 1994 comedy Maverick.

The film will mark Gibson's second acting role since 2003. Foster has previously directed 1991's Little Man Tate and Home for the Holidays in 1995.

Producers Steve Golin and Keith Redmon are hoping to start filming in September in New York.

The Beaver previously attracted the attention of a number of high-profile names in Hollywood, including director Jay Roach and actors Steve Carrell and Jim Carrey.

Gibson's defence

Gibson has focused on directing projects over the past five years, attracting critical attention with the controversial 2004 film The Passion of the Christ and 2006's Apocalypto.

In July 2006, the star sparked outrage with he made anti-Semitic remarks during an arrest for drink-driving.

At the time, Foster spoke out in his defence, insisting Gibson was "absolutely not" an anti-Semite.

In May Gibson, 53, announced he is expecting a child with his Russian girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva - a month after his wife filed for divorce after 28 years of marriage.

The star's acting credits include Braveheart - which he also directed - and the Lethal Weapon series.

Foster won the best actress Oscar in 1989, for The Accused, and 1992, for The Silence of the Lambs.