Mel Gibson Plans Comeback in "The Beaver"

Mel Gibson will be starring in a new tragi-comedy, "The Beaver". MTV reports that "The Beaver" began as a mere blurb on Steve Carell's pre-production slate. The assumption was that Carell would star in such a movie. Jim Carey also expressed interested in the film, another comedian attracted to such roles. It was surprising when Variety finally reported yesterday that Gibson would be starring in the film across from Jodie Foster.

"The Beaver" follows a depressed man (Gibson) who soothes himself by talking to a beaver hand puppet he treats like a human. The man's wife (Foster) has obvious problems with this dynamic.

The film, which may begin production as soon as this fall, has attracted a lot of attention. Kyle Killen's script is smart, witty and has drawn comparisons to some Sundance favorites. After Gibson's fall from grace in 2006, this role could be just what America wants to see of Gibson.