Could we really be getting anotherLethal Weaponweapon movie in the near future? Well, according to producerDaniel Lin, probably yes! It’s been more than 20 years sinceLethal Weapon 4graced movie screens everywhere. Sadly, this also means it’s been over two decades sinceMel Gibson,Danny Glover, andJoe Pesciwere in a movie together — a thing I very much don’t like.
So, where do we stand onLethal Weapon 5? Per Lin’s recent comments in a producers roundtable interview for The Hollywood Reporter (viaThe Playlist), we could be very close to getting that fifth franchise installment since talks with leads Gibson and Glover as well as directorRichard Donnerare currently happening. According to Lin, “We’re trying to make the lastLethal Weaponmovie. And Dick Donner’s coming back. The original cast is coming back. And it’s just amazing. The story itself is very personal to him. Mel and Danny are ready to go, so it’s about the script.” To reference a now-iconicLethal Weaponline, it seems Gibson, Glover, and Donner aren’t too old for this shit.
The last we heard about anything related toLethal Weapon 5, the year was 2017. Back then,we reportedon a Deadline story which revealed Gibson, Glover, and Donner were putting their heads together with the intention of making a fifth movie happen. At the time, it was all rather vague and unclear what the direction would even be (Warner Bros. hadn’t even solidly committed at the time) and eventually, the team broke up and pursued other projects. Now, withJumanji: Welcome to the JungleandDaddy’s Home 2out of their respective systems, it sounds like Glover and Gibson are interested in returning to their buddy cop comedy roots. It would also be a massive coup if Donner did actually come aboard since has hasn’t directed a movie since 2006’s16 Blocks.
Unlike last time, Lin’s tone indicates things are genuine and serious when it comes to makingLethal Weapon 5happen this time around. I’m a sucker for a good buddy cop comedy and you can’t do much better than a good ol' Gibson and Glover pairing. So, verily I say unto thee (“thee” being Lin and Co.), let’s make this thing happen.
You can watch the full producers roundtable chat from The Hollywood Reporter below. For more, check out our round-up of thebest ’80s action movies.
