Latest news with #LethalWeapon4
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Mel Gibson reveals the reason behind Lethal Weapon 5 delay
The fifth 'Lethal Weapon' movie has been stuck in development hell because "the studios are having a lot of problems", Mel Gibson has said. The 69-year-old actor is set to reprise his role as LA police officer Martin Riggs as well as direct the long-awaited sequel, though Gibson has revealed Warner Bros. has been facing internal issues that have slowed development down - despite the next 'Lethal Weapon' having "a really good screenplay". Speaking to Screen Rant, he said: "For some reason, the studios are having a lot of problems. I don't know what the deal is. 'I'm not sure what the problem is, but it is a really good screenplay." 'The Passion of the Christ' director teased that the fifth 'Lethal Weapon' movie was the best entry in the series, and described it as "a lot of fun" and "really emotional". He said: "I sat down with a writer and we did two or three drafts of screenplays and it came out pretty good. In fact, I think it's the best of all of them. It's a lot of fun and got really emotional." Gibson has starred opposite Danny Glover in the 'Lethal Weapon' franchise since its debut in 1987, with the late Richard Donner helming the series behind the camera until the latest entry 'Lethal Weapon 4' in 1998. However, since Donner's passing in 2021 at the age of 91, the Oscar-winning filmmaker has picked up directing duties for the fifth 'Lethal Weapon'. The 'Mad Max' star said during an appearance on the 'Inspire Me' podcast: "I'm going to direct the fifth film in the Lethal Weapon series. "Richard Donner, who did the other four, sadly passed away and he was a good friend. He kind of tasked me with carrying the flag home on that one so it'll be an honour for me to do that." Gibson and the creative team for the fifth 'Lethal Weapon' movie have been building on a script written by the late Donner. He said: "We've used what was there and we kept kind of poking at it and working at it. I'm pretty happy with it. It's good, I had a lot of fun doing it. "It's funny, but it's pretty serious too. It tackles a couple of hard issues. I'm looking forward to it." As well as Gibson's Martin Riggs, Glover's Roger Murtaugh is also confirmed to be returning for the fifth 'Lethal Weapon'. Gibson previously revealed that changes behind the scenes at Warner Bros. had caused delays on the next 'Lethal Weapon', and said at the time he hoped the movie would start shooting at the beginning of 2025 - though the flick is yet to enter production. The 'Braveheart' actor explained: "The only delay is now with all the shake-up at Warners, with Discovery coming in and the new boss, and they chop everyone else up and throw them away and get new people. "It always takes time for these companies to regroup, so that's been a delay, but I'm pretty confident we'll get this one up on its feet, probably shoot it in the first quarter of the New Year."
New York Post
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Lethal Weapon' co-stars Mel Gibson, 69, and Danny Glover, 78, reunite ahead of fifth installment
They're not too old for this s–t! 'Lethal Weapon' co-stars Mel Gibson, 69, and Danny Glover, 78, reminded fans of the iconic catchphrase featured in all four films when they reunited over the weekend, 38 years after the first movie launched. Their reunion happened at a fan expo in Philadelphia, where the legendary duo fielded questions about the long-delayed fifth 'Lethal Weapon' installment. Gibson is directing the flick, and Glover agreed to reprise his role as Detective Roger Murtaugh, who famously claimed he was 'too old for this s–t' in each installment. 10 Mel Gibson and Danny Glover reunite at Philadelphia's fan expo. Ouzounova / 10 It's been 38 years since the first film of the franchise. Ouzounova / Glover was joined by Gibson, who plays Murtaugh's unpredictable partner Martin Riggs. The boys appeared happy to be in each other's company, smiling while speaking to audience members and seemingly mirroring a famous moment from the fourth blockbuster. Glover dressed in a red shirt, black pants, a brown suit jacket and a baseball cap, rocked his grey facial hair and reached over to grab Gibson's hand in what appeared to be an homage to a scene in 1994's 'Lethal Weapon 4.' 10 The pair looked older but acted as if no time had passed. Shutterstock 10 Danny Glover and Mel Gibson in 1998's 'Lethal Weapon 4.' Andrew Cooper/Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock In the movie, the mischievous men shake each other's hands after they are informed they've been shockingly promoted to captains, despite leaving destruction behind everywhere they go. Unfortunately, Gibson must not have gotten the memo because the guys fist-bumped, missing the mark on the iconic reenactment opportunity. The actor-turned-director kept it casual in a black polo shirt, jeans and navy-colored Crocs for the weekend outing. Just like Glover, Gibson, too, sported his grey locks and facial hair, showing just how much time has passed since the franchise's first film in 1987. 10 Danny Glover at the fan expo. Ouzounova / 10 Mel Gibson at the fan expo. Ouzounova / 10 'Lethal Weapon 3' movie poster. Snap/Shutterstock Gibson and Glover have reunited several times over the years, most recently in February at the MegaCon fan convention in Orlando. News of a 'Lethal Weapon 5' was confirmed by producer Dan Lin in 2020 during a roundtable interview with The Hollywood Reporter. However, Richard Donner, who directed all four 'Lethal Weapon' films, died in July 2021 at age 91. Months later, Gibson shared that Donner had previously requested that the actor direct the project if he wasn't around to do so. 10 Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in 'Lethal Weapon 2.' 10 Danny Glover, Mel Gibson in 1992's 'Lethal Weapon 3.' ©Warner Bros/courtesy Everett Co 10 Danny Glover, Mel Gibson in 1987's 'Lethal Weapon.' Warner Bros 'He was developing the screenplay and he got pretty far along with it. And he said to me one day, 'Listen kid, if I kick the bucket you will do it.' And I said, 'Shut up,'' Gibson said in November 2011. 'But he did indeed pass away. But he did ask me to do it and at the time I didn't say anything. He said it to his wife and to the studio and the producer. So I will be directing the fifth one.' In 2022, Gibson expressed he had mixed thoughts about directing 'Lethal Weapon 5.' 'I wish I wasn't directing it. I wish Richard Donner was still here to do it but left us untimely, and he actually asked me, he said, 'Hey kid, if I don't make it, you'll take the reins, huh?' I told him to shut up.' He added, 'I think it's an honour for me to be able to carry the flag for him.' Gibson also shared that he asked Glover for his blessing. 'I called Danny [Glover] up, of course, and said, 'Hey, dude, is it okay with you if I direct this?' to which Glover replied, 'Yeah, let's go.''
