When Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster first teamed up in 1994's "Maverick" they were close to the peak of their acting careers.  How things change.  Gibson is trying to resurrect his Hollywood reputation after a number of personal indiscretions and Foster has suffered a number of box office disappointments since her last big hit "Flightplan," four years ago.

Now, Variety reports the duo are reuniting for the dark indie comedy "The Beaver."  The project is even more intriguing as it will be Foster's first directorial effort since 1995's "Home for the Holidays." 

Originally in the works with Steve Carell in the lead, the picture finds a depressed man (Gibson) who finds solace in wearing a beaver hand-puppet.  Foster will do double duty as man's wife.

No studio has come on board to finance the approximately $18 million flick, but the producers are still expecting to begin production in New York this September.