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.
