Mel Gibson Is in Talks to Direct LETHAL WEAPON 5
Lethal Weapon franchise star Mel Gibson is currently in talks to direct Lethal Weapon 5! The filmmaker let the news slip that he wanted to helm the movie and now sources close to him are saying he’s in talks to direct and star. No deal has been officially closed yet, but if it happens, he will step in for Richard Donner, who passed away this past July.
This sequel has been in development for some time already and Gibson was developing it with Donner before he died. Gibson wanted to continue developing the project as “a proper tribute to his friend and the late director of the franchise.”
When previously talking about the film Producer Dan Lin shared that the story is “very personal,” and Danny Glover added:
“I don’t want to give away the plot on the script that I read, but I found the plot had very strong relevance to some of things that are happening today. I can say that. But that was in January. History changes so fast. But yes, there’s been talk about it. I can only tell you, if it does happen, there is something extraordinary in it. If Lethal Weapon gives us some sort of contribution to understanding a little bit more. It would be interesting to do. It would be interesting to see how we take this within the political framework we are in; the economic framework that we are in. And especially that framework as opposed to the communities that have been affected by the kind of police violence, the kind of police standards, and the power that they exert as well. And what would be interesting from that vantage point is what that attempt could be like at this particular moment.”
It’s said that if the movie moves forward it will be developed for HBO Max. Gibson is keeping himself busy these days, so if he does direct there’s no word on when he’ll get around to making it. One of the other projects that he’s currently a part of include the John Wick spinoff series The Continental.
Gibson is a hell of a talented filmmaker and storyteller, so if he actually directs Lethal Weapon 5 I’m confident that he’ll deliver a great sequel.
Source: Deadline