There has been talk of a fifth Lethal Weapon film, although both Mel Gibson and Danny Glover have expressed disinterest. In 2007, Moviehole.net received word from sources that Warner Bros. are in the early stages of trying to relaunch the Lethal Weapon series sometime in 2009 or later.[15] A spec script treatment has been written by Shane Black,[16] leading to rumors that the sequel was on fast track by Warner Bros. with Black in the director's chair. Actor Columbus Short said he was being considered for the role of Murtaugh's son.[17] Director Richard Donner is not involved with these plans, but he has his own ideas for a Lethal Weapon 5. According to the LA Times, Gibson has refused to reprise his role as Martin Riggs for the fifth time, which Donner thinks is out of personal loyalty because Donner is not involved.[18] Joel Silver later confirmed Gibson’s lack of interest in the project.[19] "We talked about it, but it was something that Mel didn't want to do now," he explained. "It doesn't mean that he doesn't want to do it ever, but as of right now, he doesn't."[20] On the Australian website What's Playing, an insider said, "They’re talking again. Mel probably needs Joel, not to mention Lethal Weapon now more than ever, so I wouldn’t at all be surprised if it comes off this time. And it could be a good move, that’s a mighty big brand name – it probably would help Gibson, professionally-speaking.”
First we have catch up with the past before moving onto the proposed Reboot that's in the works at
Warner Brothers. Reading the above quote about the history of what would have been
LW5, it made me think that there was a little merit to the fact that
Mel Gibson does in fact need
Lethal Weapon and not the other way around, especially after his continued public meltdowns. I think the more
Mel puts his foot into his mouth, the better the chances are of
Lethal Weapon 5 getting off the ground with the original cast and
Richard Donner in the Director's Chair.
Having said that, should there even be a 5th installment or do you prefer a Reboot instead?
I loooooooooooove the first 3 movies. The 4th installment was meh, and it's for that reason I'd like to see them close out the series the right way in the same manner that
Sly Stallone was able to do with both
Rocky and
Rambo which had ended in sub-par fashion before getting a nice swan song for each series. So, yeah I'd like to see another
Weapon if they can do it right.
I'm really against the idea of rebooting the franchise, but I will still be interested in what develops, if either one sees the light of day.