Filmstalker: Gibson says no to Lethal Weapon 5

Lethal Weapon 5 has been on again and off again. Last we heard Joel Silver thought a fifth film was still possible.

Now Mel Gibson has given his verdict, and it doesn't sound like he's at all interested.

Lethal Weapon 5 was at one point supposed to be fast tracked into production. But that all ground to a halt. Richard Donner then claimed that the real reason it wouldn't happen, was that Mel Gibson wouldn't be involved without him there. With Donner and Joel Silver having a disagreement that didn't look likely.

Silver then claimed that he had Shane Black on board, and that they basically didn't need Donner. Not only that, but Gibson's involvement was perhaps more a case of timing than anything. Now we finally get to hear from Mel Gibson on the subject, he spoke to MTV Movies Blog. And he expressed his lack of surprise that the idea had come up:

I couldn’t imagine going back there to try to revive that one. I think we got everything we could out of it. Of course these things always come around. Five though? Five?!? Please.

So there we have it. Gibson is having none of it, seems he'd rather be doing his own thing.

I would rather write something and try to tell a story somewhere. Not that [Shane’s] not telling a story, it’s just that things have a certain life.

I think we can pretty much say that Lethal Weapon 5, with Mel Gibson in it is not happening. And if he and Danny Glover aren't involved I'd rather they didn't bother at all. Let's hope they don't try and reinvent the series with new stars. Are you glad there won't be a Lethal Weapon 5 with Gibson? Should they try it with new actors?

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Good decision Mel! I salute you!

Posted by: Simone | February 15, 2009 12:49 PM

If there's no Gibson or Glover, there's no Lethal Weapon worth wathching! But I do hope the old boys come back and do another one!

Posted by: Jimmy | February 22, 2009 6:38 AM

The way Lethal Weapon 4 ended was the perfect closure for any series. It would be a huge mistake to make a 5th installment with or with out Gibson and Glover.

Posted by: TIMMAY | February 28, 2009 8:46 AM

IF THEY WERE TO DO FIVE I THINK THEY COULD DO IT WITH CHRIS ROCK RETURNING AS BUTTERS,ALONG WITH HIM SAYING THAT RIGGS AND MURTUAGH HAVE RETIRED SO YOU BRING IN SEAN PENN TO PLAY OPPOSITE OF ROCK.THEN SEE IF JOE PESCI IS INTERESTED IN HIS ROLE.PENN WOULD SERVE AS THE LEATHAL WEAPON.OR BRING DWAYNE JOHNSON IN TO PLAY MELS PART.I THINK THERE ARE ALOT OF POSSIBILITIES AND YOU DON'T NEED MEL OR GLOVER RETIRE THEM IN THE MOVIE SEE IF THEY WOULD CONSIDER DOING THAT.

Posted by: TEAK | April 2, 2009 11:18 PM

There's nothing I wouldnt love more than a new Lethal Weapon, although there are some good points here against it. 4 did end really well and put a finish to the story line and there certainly would be no way to carry on the series with new actors. It hurts me to say it but I think Mel Gibson made the right decision on this one, they did a lot in 4 films and another would just see history repeating itself I think...although id still watch it!!!
(TEAK is just plain wrong - Gibson and Glover make the film, without them it might as well just be called another name and not ruin an excellent series)

Posted by: Adam Forrester | May 16, 2009 5:43 PM

Right Mel you did the right thing and its time to move on the 80’s and 90’s are gone and the films are great classics lets keep it that way shall we.

Hollywood I don’t think a reboot is necessary its time to think of fresh new ideas that haven’t been tried before or find a new job for pete’s sakes I’m sick and tired of reboots for the sakes of CGI and Dolby frigging digital that’s what this really boils down to. Get a life or job!

Posted by: andy | June 13, 2009 5:32 PM

Completely agree there is not lethal weapon without mel + danny, TEAK what the hell are you on about sirously?

Posted by: zzzzzzzzzz | June 19, 2009 11:15 PM

I must say i thoroughly enjoyed all the films in the franchise, and while in my opinion Mel Gibson made the right decision to not do another movie in full, it would be maybe nice to see a fresh approach with a new character alongside Danny Glover in some way if he would return or maybe with new actors with Mel and Danny in a cameo or peripheral role, if both of them had no involvement whatsoever, then i think it would fail.

There a few good actors out there that,if the script is right, will do justice to another movie that goes in a new direction, maybe starting a new franchise like they did with Batman or Star Trek, along the same lines but with a fresh start, it obviously would not be for all LW fans, but i think i would have a look at it, but while saying that, for me Gibson and Glover would have to be in there at least one or twice.

Posted by: Bmd | June 21, 2009 2:38 AM

At the time of writing this i am watching 4 again as i love the Lethal Weapon very much. I think it got better throughout the quadrilogy. I came online to see if there was a hint of 5 coming out as i think it would be very popular. Definately something to look forward to.. But it has to have Gibson and Glover or its just not the same.. So many series/films that have been brought out with new actors/actresses and that just dont work. I think 4 is awesom its a shame Gibson wont do another.

Posted by: Karl | September 11, 2009 3:41 AM

They could do it with Riggs visiting Murtaugh's grave promising to kill the killers and he's partnered with Chris Rock. Riggs goes out in style at the end and Rock is teamed with Rene Russo.

DUH!!!!!!

Posted by: uncleduke316@yahoo.com | September 13, 2009 10:12 PM

Kill off Murtaugh? Why in the hell would you do that? That would be a perfect way to ruin the series.

Posted by: Me | October 18, 2009 8:05 PM

I feel that Lethal Weapon 4 was a great way to end the movie series. It would be nice to have a 5th installment. I'd like to see one, where both Riggs and Murtaugh were retired, but then drawn out of retirement for one last job. And of course, with Murtaugh's "I'm to old for this shit" statement thrown in at the very end. But, you never know what may happen.

Posted by: jordan | December 31, 2009 3:19 AM