While many might not expect a franchise that has been silent for such a long time to make a comeback, we have been seeing it happen in recent years; with films getting sequels like Top Gun, Hocus Pocus, and Blade Runner. But after the ending of 1998’s Lethal Weapon 4, I don’t think any people saw another film happen – even if they did, their hopes may have been shattered sometime in the last twenty (some) years. But don’t give up just yet, Lethal Weapon fans, because Lethal Weapon 5 has pretty much been confirmed!
Rumors of “Lethal Weapon 5” really began to spark in 2017, when the cast of the Lethal Weapon franchise reunited for the first time in nearly twenty years on Good Morning America. Mel Gibson (who played Martin Riggs) was accompanied by his real life good friend Danny Glover (who played Roger Murtaugh), and Rene Russo (the iconic kung-fu girl cop from “Lethal Weapon” 3 and 4). After a few questions, the interviewer asked the cast what the chances were of a “Lethal Weapon 5.” Rene Russo was quick to answer, saying that she felt the chances were very slim; she joked saying, “You should see me walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night.” Mel Gibson seemed to think it would be a fun idea, saying that the franchise could really embrace its comedy in this one, and play off the fact that they’re “not as limber” as they used to be. The interview peaked the fans’ interest enough to start some rumors. The rumors continued for the following years, but nothing was announced, leaving people to think that it was just a fun thing to think about.
However, things got really exciting in 2021, when Mel Gibson had a sit down interview on a show called “An Experience With,” where he was again asked about “Lethal Weapon 5.” (The interview can be seen on YouTube. ) But, this time, he gave a different answer. Richard Donner, who made all four Lethal Weapon movies sadly died on July 5, 2021. Mel Gibson recalled how Donner told him (within a year or two before his passing) how he was developing a new screenplay for “Lethal Weapon 5,” and that he had gotten pretty far on it.
Donner told Gibson, “Listen kid, if I kick the bucket you’ll do it?” basically asking Mel Gibson to make the film if he were to die, which he unfortunately did. But, Gibson admitted that he was going to not just reprise his role as Martin Riggs in an upcoming Lethal Weapon movie… but also sit in the director’s chair! Mel Gibson said that Danny Glover was back to play Murtaugh and he said that even though not in the original “Lethal Weapon 5” screenplay, he might find a way to bring back Joe Pesci’s character Leo Getz.
Though the film was basically confirmed, fans of the franchise haven’t been revealed much about the film after the interview in 2021. But occasionally online, the film gets an update. According to an online film website called “Word of Reel”, Daniel Richtman is now reporting that Jez Butterworth (Ford v Ferrari, Edge of Tomorrow) wrote the most recent draft for “Lethal Weapon 5” and that the film is expected to shoot at some point in 2024.
According to Yahoo Entertainment News says, “The expectation of a future release date for Lethal Weapon 5 is based on the film’s confirmed development and production plans. Mel Gibson, set to direct and star in the film, anticipates that shooting will begin in 2024.” The website also revealed that this film will pay a special tribute to Richard Donner.
Rumors continue to spread, some of them were true, but some of them cannot be confirmed yet. One particular rumor, said that Lethal Weapon 5 will not have a theater release, and will be streaming instead. But this can’t be confirmed, and probably won’t be true considering the success of the previous four films, that all did exceptionally well at the box office. Yahoo also says, “Lethal Weapon 5″ could come out in theaters: This is because the Lethal Weapon series has historically seen a theatrical release, and given the high profile of the franchise, Warner Bros. is likely to continue this trend. The return of iconic actors Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, along with the significant anticipation for this sequel, makes a theatrical release a fitting choice for maximizing audience reach and box office potential.”
Audiences must wait to receive more official information, but until then we can hope that the production of the film goes smoothly. Another addition to the franchise is something that has been hoped for over the past 26 years. Many believe the film will not disappoint and are excited to see Riggs and Murtaugh back in action!
