Mel Gibson and Danny Glover Reunite for Lethal Weapon 5 and the Internet is Going Crazy

After nearly 40 years since the original Lethal Weapon exploded onto the big screen, Hollywood legends Danny Glover and Mel Gibson are gearing up to return for a highly anticipated fifth installment.

Fans of the action-packed franchise were thrilled as the pair reunited publicly at a recent fan expo in Philadelphia, where they confirmed their involvement in Lethal Weapon 5 and offered some insight into what’s to come.

Glover, now 78, and Gibson, 69, originally brought to life the unforgettable characters of Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs—two Los Angeles police detectives with wildly different temperaments who form an unlikely partnership.

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The original 1987 film, directed by the late Richard Donner, was a massive success, spawning three sequels and solidifying the duo’s status as one of the most beloved action teams in film history.

Despite the time that has passed, fans’ excitement has never waned—and now, the wait is almost over. While exact plot details and a release date remain under wraps, the project is officially moving forward, with Gibson not only reprising his role as Riggs but also stepping into the director’s chair.

“Lethal Weapon 5”

“That’s what I’m thinking”

“Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

“Yeah” pic.twitter.com/6BEQ1mcTLb

— Mel Gibson fan 81 (@MelGlbsonFan81) January 26, 2025

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The directorial role, once held by Richard Donner, now falls to Gibson after a heartfelt request from the late filmmaker.

Donner, who directed all four previous Lethal Weapon films, passed away in 2021 at the age of 91. Before his death, he had been working on the script for a fifth movie.

“He was developing the screenplay, and he got pretty far along with it,” Gibson revealed during the expo.

“And he said to me one day, ‘Listen kid, if I kick the bucket, you will do it.’ And I said, ‘Shut up.’ But he did indeed pass away. But he did ask me to do it, and at the same time, I didn’t say anything. He said it to his wife and to the studio, and to the producer. So I will be directing the fifth one.”

Taking on such a legacy role comes with weight and emotion, but Gibson appears determined to honor Donner’s vision.

And before officially moving forward, he sought approval from the man who helped define the franchise alongside him.

“I called Danny [Glover] up, of course, and said, ‘Hey, dude, is it okay with you if I direct this?’” Gibson shared. Glover’s response was simple and enthusiastic: “‘Yeah, let’s go.’”

Glover’s return as Detective Roger Murtaugh is a nod to the franchise’s enduring legacy.

Known for his signature line—“I’m too old for this s–t”—which became a hallmark of the series, Murtaugh’s gruff demeanor and heartwarming chemistry with Riggs have always been central to the films’ appeal.

Seeing Glover embrace the role again after so many years is sure to tug at the heartstrings of longtime fans.

Producer Dan Lin had initially confirmed development of Lethal Weapon 5 back in 2020 during a roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter, sparking speculation and excitement across the fanbase.

I believe in LETHAL WEAPON 5. pic.twitter.com/iW2i5tft2l

— Balthazar B (@BeeBalthazar) May 20, 2025

However, progress slowed after Donner’s passing, leaving the film’s future uncertain—until now.

Although few production details have been released, the confirmation of both leads returning and Gibson’s involvement as director signals a meaningful continuation of the saga.

With the actors’ chemistry, the franchise’s unique blend of humor, action, and heart, and the added emotional layer of honoring Donner’s legacy, Lethal Weapon 5 is shaping up to be a major cinematic event.

The original Lethal Weapon series not only helped define the buddy-cop genre but also influenced generations of action films.

Its mix of hard-hitting stunts, sharp dialogue, and emotional depth created a blueprint that many have tried to replicate—but few have matched.

The return of Riggs and Murtaugh promises to bring that magic back to the screen once again, with the added perspective of age, experience, and reflection.

Fans even took to AI to create concept images of the two, just a little older and more seasoned.

While no official release date has been announced, anticipation is high.

With Gibson at the helm, Glover back in the fold, and the promise of one last ride with two of cinema’s most beloved detectives, Lethal Weapon 5 is poised to deliver nostalgia, adrenaline, and maybe a few tears.

Fans should stay tuned for more updates as production moves forward. For now, one thing’s for sure—Riggs and Murtaugh aren’t done yet.

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