Mel Gibson has offered fans an encouraging update regarding the long-awaited sequel, “Lethal Weapon 5,” underscoring his belief that the latest script surpasses those of its predecessors. Speaking at Fan Expo Boston, the esteemed actor and filmmaker expressed his views on the project, noting that it encapsulates a fresh vision while honouring the legacy of the original series.
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Gibson, who is stepping into the director’s chair for the fifth instalment following the passing of Richard Donner, acknowledged the critical role that both Donner and the original screenwriter, Shane Black, played in crafting the franchise. Reflecting on the original films, Gibson highlighted how the dynamics between LAPD detectives Martin Riggs, portrayed by himself, and Roger Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover, added depth to their characters.
“Donner was a brilliant director. He understood what he had in those characters,” Gibson stated. “Shane Black wrote an excellent script, which was timely for its era. It went beyond the typical tough-guy archetype by showcasing vulnerabilities in the protagonists, with one being reckless and the other more cautious. This added a layer of depth that distinguished it from standard action films.”
Tragically, Richard Donner passed away in July 2021 while still in the midst of developing the fifth movie. According to Gibson, Donner had even expressed his wish for Gibson to take the helm if he were no longer able to continue. “With that deep voice, he said to me, ‘Hey, kid, if I drop off the perch, you’ll take this over, won’t you?’” Gibson recalled. “I told him to stop talking like that because he wasn’t going anywhere.”
Despite the challenges of navigating the complex landscape of filmmaking, Gibson is optimistic about the direction in which the project is heading. “We held discussions with the writer to ensure we were considering what Donner would have wanted,” he commented. “I genuinely believe this fifth script exceeds all the rest, though it is currently entangled in a kind of film industry limbo that makes it difficult to proceed.”
As for the storyline of “Lethal Weapon 5,” Gibson suggested that while it maintains some connections to the previous films, it is structurally independent. “The characters are significantly older now—one has retired, and the other has taken on a desk role and is gaining weight. It doesn’t rely heavily on high-tech elements or massive explosions but retains the energy characteristic of a gripping action film,” he teased.
Fans were first alerted to the return of original stars Gibson and Glover to the franchise in 2020. The beloved series began with its first film in 1987, which depicted the unlikely partnership between Riggs and Murtaugh following Riggs’ personal tragedy. The subsequent entries arrived in 1989, 1992, and 1998, with all four films directed by Donner.
In addition to his work on “Lethal Weapon 5,” Gibson’s recent projects include producing “Sound of Freedom” in 2023 and an acting role in the upcoming “Hunting Season.” He is perhaps equally known for his roles in iconic films such as “Mad Max,” “Braveheart,” and “Edge of Darkness.” Furthermore, he is slated to direct and produce “The Resurrection of the Christ,” a two-part biblical drama.
In a separate but related aspect of the franchise’s ongoing narrative, Danny Glover recently revealed his battle with Alzheimer’s disease in a cover story for PEOPLE. Glover, who has portrayed Murtaugh alongside Gibson for decades, shared the emotional complexities tied to his diagnosis. “I’m still coming to terms with it all,” he mentioned. “There are moments that remind me that I can still remember things, but there are also memories that will stay with me forever.”
As anticipation grows for “Lethal Weapon 5,” it remains an integral part of both Gibson and Glover’s legacies, as well as a tribute to Richard Donner’s foundational work in the series. Fans of the franchise are left eagerly awaiting what Gibson and his team will bring to the screen in this next chapter.