Downey Jr. To Be Hamlet

Robert Downey Jr. is to appear onstage as Hamlet, in a production which will be directed by Mel Gibson. The two actors appeared together onscreen in 1990's Air America, but only recently decided to collaborate on the theatrical project, according to Variety. Gibson, who played Hamlet in Franco Zeffirelli's 1990 screen version, won an Oscar for his direction of** Braveheart** in 1995 but has concentrated on his acting work ever since. Downey Jr., recently released from prison, has just completed work on a new series of Ally McBeal. He has not performed Shakespeare before, but his troubled past and battle with his inner demons make him a perfect candidate for the role of the brooding Prince of Denmark. The play is due to open in January in Los Angeles.