Robert Downey Jr.’s last two movies playing Tony Stark (Iron Man 3 and Marvel’s The Avengers) made over $2.7 billion worldwide, making him currently the highest paid movie star in the world. That’s a long way back from about a dozen years ago when I used to see Downey in my neighborhood trying out life in the slow lane after he got out of the joint.

Here’s the end of an interesting interview from Deadline Hollywood.

DEADLINE: We have written often, suggesting that Mel Gibson be given another chance in Hollywood, after atoning for the regrettable things he said. Awhile back, when studios were reluctant to hire you and there were exorbitant insurance premiums, he put you in a movie, took care of all that and helped you when you needed it. As Hollywood’s best example that not giving up on a talented person can result in redemption, can you make a case for why he should be back directing and starring in movies again?

DOWNEY: Well, first off, he has changed so much. Nobody should make a case for somebody who just wants forgiveness but hasn’t changed, but he’s a fundamentally different guy. I think it was just the very worst aspects of somebody’s psyche being treated as though they were the blanket statement about a person. 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 has changed, but at the same time he’s still Mel. 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. I always say too that if you want to judge a man or a woman then look at their kids. He has the healthiest, happiest, most productive kids you could ever meet or know, and I’m fortunate to be friendly with several of them. He did a lot right, and there’s stuff he taught me about parenting that didn’t sink in at the time but have proven to be true. We’re writing this thing right now, Yucatan…

DEADLINE: That’s the project Steve McQueen developed for himself.

DOWNEY: Yes, and I’m like, God, if I could find a part for Mel. But he also likes to do his own thing and sometimes he goes out of his way to do the unexpected. Sometimes with these things, it becomes a matter of time, and is seems like it’s getting a little bit old to hold a grudge.

DEADLINE: True, but the year he made Apocalypto, I didn’t see a better movie and he was ignored and hasn’t directed since. 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.

DEADLINE: Is that our headline?

DOWNEY: Why not? That movie would be bananas.