We never expected any solid updates when it comes to another Lethal Weapon movie, but the trades are now reporting that a fifth instalment of the iconic action comedy franchise is indeed in the works, with Mel Gibson in talks to direct and star.
The late Richard Donner, who directed all four of the original movies, was developing the project with Gibson, and the controversial actor is now said to be determined to take the helm to honor his friend's wishes.
“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,'” reports Variety. “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.”
Donner’s wife, Lauren Schuler Donner, will produce the film, alongside Rideback’s Dan Lin. Jonathan Eirich of Rideback and Derek Hoffman of The Donners’ Company will executive produce. The latest draft of the script was penned by Richard Wenk (The Equalizer).
There's no word on whether Danny Glover is also set to reprise his role as Martin Riggs' long-time friend and partner Roger Murtaugh.
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Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.