He will both star in and direct the next Lethal Weapon instalment
Mel Gibson will direct and star in Lethal Weapon 5, with production set for 2022 – 23 years after the last film in the series was released.
Lethal Weapon came out in 1987 and starred Gibson as detective Martin Riggs alongside Danny Glover, who played fellow officer Roger Murtaugh.
Lethal Weapon 4 was released in July 1998.
The 65-year-old confirmed the news over the weekend during an appearance on ‘An Experience With’.
What a night! @AnExpWith put on a world leading show, and Mel revealed EXCLUSIVELY that he will be directing Lethal Weapon 5 quite soon. He got emotional – fighting tears – talking about the late Richard Donner, who had asked Mel if he would take the reigns if he died. pic.twitter.com/Sq21EhACU8
— Mel Gibson (@MelGibsonFilms) November 14, 2021
Late director Richard Donner requested that if he “kick the bucket”, then Gibson should take on the franchise, the Braveheart actor said.
“And [Donner] said to me one day, ‘Listen kid, if I kick the bucket you will do it.’ And I said, ‘Shut up’.” Gibson said.
“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.”
Insiders have also confirmed that Gibson is to reprise the role of Riggs alongside his directing duties, reports the Sun.
They said: “As well as stepping up to direct Lethal Weapon 5 Mel is going to be starring in it.
“Fans of Riggs will be pleased to see him back on-screen – older but not necessarily wiser.
“It is hoped Danny Glover will come back to and reprise his role of Roger Murtaugh.”
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