What Happened to Lethal Weapon Franchise?

The 'Lethal Weapon' franchise began its cinematic journey in 1987 with the release of the eponymous film, directed by Richard Donner and starring Mel Gibson as the volatile Martin Riggs and Danny Glover as the seasoned Roger Murtaugh. This buddy-cop action-comedy quickly became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $120 million worldwide on a $15 million budget and redefining the genre. Its success led to three sequels: 'Lethal Weapon 2' (1989), 'Lethal Weapon 3' (1992), and 'Lethal Weapon 4' (1998), all directed by Donner and featuring the core cast. The film series collectively generated an estimated $2 billion in box-office and merchandising revenue by 1998.

Decades later, the franchise was rebooted for television, with a 'Lethal Weapon' TV series premiering on Fox in September 2016. Starring Clayne Crawford as Riggs and Damon Wayans as Murtaugh, the show initially garnered solid ratings and critical acclaim, effectively recalling the movies' vibe. However, the series was plagued by significant behind-the-scenes turmoil. In May 2018, Clayne Crawford was fired due to alleged bad behavior and creating a hostile work environment. He was replaced by Seann William Scott, who joined as a new character, Wesley Cole, for the third season. The drama continued when Damon Wayans announced his intention to leave the series after the third season. Ultimately, Fox canceled the show in May 2019 after three seasons, citing a combination of cast departures, rising production costs, and shifting network strategies.

Despite the television series' conclusion, discussions for a fifth film installment, often referred to as 'Lethal Weapon 5' or 'Lethal Finale,' have persisted since 2007. Original director Richard Donner was actively developing the project before his death in 2021. Following Donner's passing, Mel Gibson confirmed in August 2026 that he intends to direct the film, honoring a request from Donner himself. The screenplay, penned by Richard Wenk, is reportedly complete, with Gibson describing it as potentially the strongest in the series.

The proposed plot for 'Lethal Weapon 5' will see Riggs and Murtaugh as older characters, with one retired and the other in a desk job, focusing more on character development and a 'low-tech' approach rather than massive explosions, aiming to recapture the original films' essence. Danny Glover is expected to return alongside Gibson. However, as of August 2026, the project remains in 'industrial film hell,' stalled by studio politics between Warner Bros. and Paramount. Gibson has expressed hope that a potential merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance could help move the film forward. Additionally, Gibson's current focus on his sequel to 'The Passion of the Christ,' 'The Resurrection of the Christ,' slated for 2027 and 2028, has also contributed to the delay of 'Lethal Weapon 5'. The recent disclosure of Danny Glover's Alzheimer's diagnosis also adds urgency to the project if it is to proceed with the original duo.