Mel Gibson, who starred in the first four “Lethal Weapon” movies, is in talks to star in and direct the fifth installment of the franchise, according to an individual with knowledge of the project. Gibson played cop Martin Riggs in all four films since 1987. The last film in the series was released in 1998.
Gibson is stepping in for the late Richard Donner, who passed away in July and directed the first four “Lethal Weapon” films.
Donner was developing the fifth installment prior to his passing. Richard Wenk, best known for writing Denzel Washington’s “The Equalizer,” wrote the latest draft of the script.
Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are producing via their Rideback banner. The film is being developed for HBO Max.
Gibson over the weekend spoke at an event in London, Speaking at an Experience With…, where he made the announcement.
According to London’s The Sun, which first reported the news, Gibson said, “[Donner] 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.’”
“But he did indeed pass away. But he did ask me to do it and at the time I didn’t say anything,” Gibson added. “He said it to his wife and to the studio and the producer. So I will be directing the fifth one.”