March 11th, 2009 -- Written by Rodney
Mel Gibson might spark social controversy to you, but to me its just to see how different he looks in every interview shot. He goes from unibomber terrorist DUI mugshot to this Guy Fawkes looking fella. Well rumours have been flying around that he might follow the Hollywood trend and return to franchises that made him famous decades ago for an additional chapter.
Mad Max won’t happen, so why not Lethal Weapon? Apparently not that either.
Franchise creator Shane Black had written a script for a fifth film and producer Joel Silver had the writer in the frame to direct, but Mel Gibson’s loyalties lay with original director (and mentor) Richard Donner who was sidelined from the project due to a very public falling out with Silver.Donner also had a script for a fifth film in the action franchise written by Channing Gibson (no relation to Mel) but Mel feels that the character of Martin Riggs has come to his natural end and doesn’t see the point of returning to the role.
As much as I would love to see another Lethal Weapon, I have to agree that these characters have all run their course.
Glover can’t get MORE “too old for this shit”, and Riggs has seen a character evolution that had him on the edge of depression, insanity and suicide and now finally finding love, happiness, a baby and a family that runs stronger than blood. There really isn’t anywhere else for him to go with that character.
The series was great, but this is one that doesn’t need another chapter. Which means they will likely try to remake this with Zac Efron and a Wayans Brother.
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I agree that there are not many more places to go with Lethal Weapon. It had a good run, and everybody always wants more, but what’s the point?
Number 5.. Cant even remember they made a 4th…
Although the thought of a new Mad Max film would be awsome… Maybe even give someone else (younger) a go. Gibbo could play a cameo petrol head
Thank Zod.
Its like Dirty Harry, even if we didnt want him to retire…he had too.
As Clint said, “right now l see Harry fishing with his .44″
Thou…always dissapointed that Mad Max 4 didnt happen…thou that maybe the aussie in me…l still see Mad Max 2[Road Warrior in the US?], as a classic that started a genre, both in movies and video games[Fallout anyone?].
I do hope Mel can do a about face and fix his image and career, and good to see he’s least keeping loyalties with old friends[Donner].
Callahan was like 56 in the dead pool really The first Dirty Harry was Okay but Magnum force was the best Riggs could retire then ya see him fishin’ with his beretta then boom riggs kills a crimanal then him Lorna and there kid retreat to Murtahs place rog gets his 357. they kill every single guy like Rambo in first blood the movie but John Rambo kills the Cops
Good! Donner said that 4 was the last one. Mel should be trying to get The Colonel made into a movie, I’d pay to see that!
I still have hope for a Lethal Weapon 5. They could have new characters and Gibson and Glover could always make a cameo appearance. A remake could be good if done right and a remake would follow the 20 year rule.
Mr. Smile,
Man, that was totally awesome. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
How about this Hollywood? Why don’t you just make up new and original stories like you did in the 80’s instead of remaking all those brilliant stories these days?
Indiana Jones 4? Crap
Star wars 1,2,3? Crap, crap and… crap
Rocky 6? Better than the fifth but still pointless
Die Hard 4? Not bad but unnecessary
Rambo 4? Damn, the first one was so good, he should have died in it.
Ghostbusters 3? WHY????
Please let the Leathel Weapon rest in peace! And don’t even think of a “Back to the Future 4″.
Well thank you for your permission. Did you need anything else whilst sitting on your Hollywood throne?
i think mr smile needs to sit in the corner for a few minutes so he realizes that he needs to STFU!
just cause u didnt like it doesnt mean it wasnt good…personally i think rocky 6 was better then the previous 2 and rambo 4 was better then the previous 2…why not make a ghostnusters 3 film…not like the ghosts just bounced to mars….and to even throw out a back to the future 4 is just u ranting about films u didnt like….well ……
so if someone offers up their opinion and it doesn’t gel with yours they are sitting on a hollywood throne…
are disagreements no longer allowed around here without being talked down to??
While I did not care much for Lethal 4, the ending suggested that it was the last film, even breaking the fourth wall, with behind the scenes stills from the past 4 films. If there were going to be more, Glover and Gibson might have been cameos, as the “torch” would be passed to Chris Rock and possibly another actor (the ‘new’ Lethal Weapon’)…which I would not hold my breath for.
It’s a shame that Black won’t get a chance to do Lethal Weapon 5 . As for a remake, it might be interesting if Black shot his original script-that spec that got him on the map- but what would be redone?
Unlike Stallone or Willis, Gibson does not really need to reprise Riggs or Max from Mad Max (although, if Miller does go animated…it might be nice) since Mel Gibson has had success as a director with bold projects (Passion, Apocalypto)
It’s too bad. I would have liked to have seen Black behind the camera again . Oh well, that’s H’wood.
Could I get sacrilegious for a sec? Everyone’s going to hunt me down til Chinatown for this but…
Recast Martin Riggs…?
He’s tired guys, just let him make some money and rest in peace… He’s done some good movies, he has given us enough I think, let him go do what he likes now…
Is anyone else out there in need for something NEW and BIG? Like a new Thrilogy or something? Everything is so ‘long time ago’… Newest we got out is probably the Dan Brown ‘The Vinci Code’ Collection. I haven’t seen a good/entertaining movie for a long time…
Rugisms,
This is a bit off topic, but I can actually say that I saw a “good/entertaining” story today. However, if it’s good and entertaining, there’s a 90% probability that it didn’t come from Hollywood. This film comes from Sweden and it’s called “Let the Right One In.”
See it if you can. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Great film. Oh, btw, I just read somewhere that Hollywood is remaking that film to. Ugh.
just a shame he didn’t say no to lethal weapon 3 and 4……
Just heard that Rourke is signed for Iron man 2…read the article on Ign.com
Thanks for the tip!
Would really like to see another Mad max film, there is so much that could be done, the story board has so many possibilities and would be fairly unrestricted as pretty much anything could happen in the dark days that Mad max is set in.
Although the way sequels are made these days it’s probably best to leave it alone, as acting skill, storyline, setting and atmosphere are usually sacraficed for PG13, teenage annoying charactors and big explosions.
on second thoughts I’ll just watch Mad max 2 again…..
@Mr. Smile
I love you Mr. Smile. BTW Rambo does die in the novel but Hollywood got soooo greedy that they decided to keep him alive to make more sequels ($$$).
Lethal Weapon should’ve stopped at 3, the last one was pointless. I wanna see some more of that thunder dome.
They asked M. J. Fox if he would do a 4th BTTF but he said he was too old to be riding on skate boards and would rather do the ‘doc role (thank u god).
@alfie
Don’t offer your opinion alf or you’ll be shut down. Just agree to whatever they say.
I agree, LW was done at 3. THe only thing that saved the forth movie was having Jet Li in the film. It was at a time when Jet Li was drawing a lot of interest especially from the Martial Arts movie fans. So it otherwise got an injection of new fans who just went to see because of Jet Li.
a fifth movie is pointless.
Does anyone know how to get in touch with Mel Gibson? He is the only one that can do this right! Author Francine Rivers, Mark of the Lion Trilogy 1.A Voice in the Wind,2.An Echo in the Darkness,3.As Sure as the dawn–wrote these most amazing books and need on the big screen.This amazing story is a mix between Braveheart and Gladiator, Quick synopsis; Historical Fiction, 30 yrs after Jesus dies, The Romans are taking over all of the lands, Main character- young jewish girl captured and taken to Rome made a slave and purchashed by a wealthy Roman family, 2ond main character is a Germanian fighting for his land and overcome by the Roman soldiers and taken back to Rome and made a Gladiator and put in the arena,This best-selling trilogy loaded with sex, drugs and rock and roll, chronicles a tale of persecution and perseverance of 1st-century Christians in hedonistic Rome. With twist that will put you on the edge of your seat!!!
I just love the movies! Mel read these books! Make this movie!! from, michelle in colorado.
hahah u too are a joke…so what give him a break he is full of himself…..maybe u havent noticed what mel gibson has done in hollywood…..maybe u havent notice how much money his movies have made and have lent to the assist of helping people go to college etc…charities etc….hey imo he can do wtf he wants cause every one has opinions….just his where let known through a very public hanging…anyways i have seen worse from drunks….problem is with u is that u say he is full of himself cause of some comments….DO U SLEEP WITH THE DOLPHINS!!!!no!
I think Lethal weapon 5 is a good idea maybe I without Mel Gibson because he wants Riggs to be killed in that one as in bullet in the head. Well Glover way to old he was like 49 or 50 in the first movie in ‘87 now 2009 he is probaly 70 yrs old The good thing about Riggs kid New sergeant.Riggs LAPD or NYPD friggin’ FBI kind of Riggs is really dumb LA and NYC don’t go together!!!!!!!!