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Rumor: Shane Black Writing Lethal Weapon 5? Doubt It...

by Kevin Powers
August 7, 2008
Source: TrackingB.com

It was a few weeks ago that a supposed script outline had been written for a sequel to the Tom Cruise-of-yore Top Gun. That turned out to be, as some Jewish folk might say, total bubkis. Will that be the same fate the latest rumor concerning another iteration of the Lethal Weapon franchise? I think so, but we'll have to wait and see as these rumors get run through the ringer. TrackingB.com (via ComingSoon) tells us that series screenwriter Shane Black has written a spec script on his own for a Lethal Weapon 5, and apparently ran it past producer Joel Silver. They also claim that "Gibson and Glover are down to return." While a new film isn't totally out there, I have to call bullsh*t on the whole idea that Mel Gibson and Danny Glover would reprise their roles.

Just like with the Top Gun rumor and the idea that Tom Cruise would return to his original character, it seems completely implausible that Mel Gibson would reprise his role as rule-breaking cop Martin Riggs. The Hollywood veteran has kept behind the camera, largely since 2002's Signs, and just recently announced his return to acting in Martin Campbell's upcoming Edge of Darkness. Stepping in front of the camera again is one thing, but stepping back in time is another. The Lethal Weapon series ended roughly a decade ago (with Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998) and I'd venture to say that Gibson has grown quite a bit since then, possibly too much to return to such a movie (Passion of the Christ, anyone?).

Now, if Gibson and Glover were not to return in the film, then sure, a fifth movie is as feasible as any other sequel (we just saw Indiana Jones earlier this summer, didn't we?). But I can't imagine a Lethal Weapon without the interracial buddy cop couple we came to love. If you're curious, the supposed script shows us that "homicidal Riggs (Gibson) is about to retire, but pulls Murtaugh (Glover) out of retirement to solve one final case, before they both officially head off into the sun." I enjoyed the Lethal Weapon series like a lot of people, but I can't say this news sounds terribly exciting or accurate. Do you think this is legit and do you even want a Lethal Weapon 5?

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K

Sure why not! Obviously the first 2 were by far the best but the were all fun flicks. ONLY as long as Mel and Danny come back. And maybe Pecsi, etc. Guess we'll have to wait and see.
Kyle A. Koyote

Yeah...great series (in my mind)...but wow am I hesitant as hell about the idea of a fifth one. The recent return of Rocky and Rambo both raised the bar in sequels to long established series, both brought 'something' pretty epic to the screen. I hope if it does get made it brings something amazing, and it isn't just some guys in Hollywood trying to make a quick buck.
Nick

Lethal Weapon = Dog Shit
neal

Helllllllllllllll yeah. Only if its as good as Die Hard 4, Rocky 6, and Rambo 4!!!!
TCox

Wow. Really? I'm glad to see Gibson return to acting. After the DUI/Anti-Semetic frenzy a few years ago, I figured he was done for. Maybe returning to play Riggs isn't that bad of an idea for him. Maybe that's exactly what he needs to get back in the good graces of ticketbuyers. Lethal Weapon is a great franchise. Sure, the last two films weren't up to par with the originals, but they're entertaining. He needs to do something on the lighter side, and make us forget about his bigotry.
alex

i just hope they dont fuck it up like they did fucking die hard! but what about joe peshie?!
Spider

I can see that it's not a far fetched idea at all. That would would be awesome if they did it, but only if the script is good!!
Shige

I really hope for a return. Must have been of the few who liked DW4 so a number five is all good to me.
mr. Obsession

I'm not excited to see this happen in any way shape or form, but what Joel Silver wants, he gets. Shane Black's writing helped make Silver's career and JS hasn't forgotten it (hence "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"). And Shane wants this. With Silver's track record including the "Matrix" plus the old LW series, WB will EASILY kick down a nine-figure budget including Mel's $30 million. And Mel will take it...everyone in town knows he's been looking for something mainstream after "Passions" and "Apocalypto". And I don't see Danny Glover turning down what I'm guessing will be a $10-$15 million offer. Sorry to anyone (including the author) who thinks this is just rumor. It's going down save some massive intervention/f'up. It's been a loooooooong time since a major studio turned DOWN the opportunity to reactivate a successful franchise. Especially when one of their major producers is behind it.
breach

Please GOD no. Hollywood can really go straight to hell with milking old franchises, I mean really is this the best they can do? LW 5? LW4 was cleary the end of the series, though it should have ended with 3. 5 would be a disaster.
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=137086138 Shero

Rumor ??? Give me real stuff and then I will be glad to comment on it
avoidz

God, no. I loved the first two (and 3 was passable), but 4 was absolute shit.
Dave V.

#3=full of shit! C'mon everyone loves the chemestry not only with Glover and Gibson but, the entire Lethal family! It's great to see them all after the years growing up and growing old, I love this idea! And frankly, in respect to the comment of Gibson growing to mature for the part of Martin Riggs, that's bullshit! Riggs is this crazy break the rule cop, alot has happened to his character over the series, enough to make it an even MORE challenging role to reprise given the fact that he is niether young nor alone anymore. If the script is right, I say ONE MO' AGAIN PLEASE!