Mel Gibson Makes Surprise Appearance at 'American Gangster' Premiere

Hollywood heavyweights Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe ruled the red carpet at the L.A. premiere of “American Gangster” last night, but it was Mel Gibson who nearly stole the show with a rare public appearance.

“These three big players here, they're all friends of mine," Mel explained to “Extra.” "I just wanted to see and I'm an admirer of their work individually. I just want to see what they can cook up together, you know.”

As for future plans to work with the power trio, Mel revealed, “Maybe, maybe I'd like to direct one with all of them in it, including Ridley.”

Mel's surprise visit even caught Denzel off guard.

“I was surprised to see him here, but glad to see him here!” he told “Extra.”

In fact, Denzel – who arrived with wife Pauletta on his arm – is just glad this real-life story of a Harlem drug lord and the cop on his trail got made at all. It took a last-minute commitment from Russell to get the project off the ground.

“Russell was the icing on the cake,” Denzel said.

With the critical acclaim of “Gangster,” Russell says he's already got an idea to re-team with Denzel once again.