Mel Gibson Teases ‘Lethal Weapon 5’ Progress as Script Reaches Final Polish
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Post By
DJ Longers
- August 12, 2026
‘Better Than All of the Others’: Mel Gibson Teases ‘Lethal Weapon 5’ Progress as Script Reaches Final Polish
LOS ANGELES — Hollywood veteran Mel Gibson has delivered an invigorating update on the long-gestating fifth instalment of the iconic Lethal Weapon franchise, declaring that the screenplay for the upcoming sequel surpasses every previous entry in the action-comedy saga.
Speaking about the progress of the project, tentatively titled Lethal Finale, the 70-year-old actor and director revealed that screenwriter Richard Wenk (The Equalizer) has refined a script that successfully captures the kinetic energy and emotional core of the original films.
The project marks a deeply personal milestone for Gibson, who inherited directing duties following the passing of legendary franchise filmmaker Richard Donner in September 2021 at the age of 91.
Honouring Richard Donner's Final Wish
Speaking about stepping behind the camera to helm the film, Gibson explained that he is fulfilling a direct promise made to Donner shortly before his death.
"I’m directing the fifth film in the 'Lethal Weapon' series," Gibson confirmed. "Richard Donner, who helmed the previous four, was developing the screenplay and got quite far with it. One day he looked at me and said, 'Listen, kid, if I kick the bucket, you’re going to do it.' I told him not to talk like that, but sure enough, he passed away. He asked me to do it, and at the time I didn’t say anything. But I told his wife, his producer, and the studio that I would honour his wish."
Offering an enthusiastic assessment of the latest draft, Gibson expressed immense confidence in the narrative direction:
"I think that the fifth script is better than all of the others," Gibson declared. "It’s got great humour, high stakes, and a lot of heart. It really pays homage to what Dick built over nearly four decades while bringing the story to a proper conclusion."
Riggs and Murtaugh Ride Again
The upcoming feature will reunite Gibson's volatile LAPD detective Martin Riggs with co-star Danny Glover, 80, who is set to reprise his celebrated role as the world-weary Roger Murtaugh.
First launched in 1987, the Lethal Weapon franchise redefined the buddy-cop action genre, grossing nearly $1 billion (£780 million) worldwide across four theatrical releases between 1987 and 1998.
While corporate restructuring at Warner Bros. and studio slate adjustments caused initial production delays, Gibson noted that shooting schedules are currently being aligned to bring the duo back to the screen.
Production Profile — 'Lethal Weapon 5' / 'Lethal Finale'
| Project Element | Official Production & Creative Details |
| Director | Mel Gibson (Taking over following Richard Donner's passing) |
| Lead Cast | Mel Gibson (Martin Riggs) & Danny Glover (Roger Murtaugh) |
| Screenplay | Richard Wenk & Mel Gibson (Based on story by Richard Donner) |
| Studio / Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Franchise History | Lethal Weapon (1987), LW2 (1989), LW3 (1992), LW4 (1998) |
A High-Stakes Farewell
While full plot details remain under wraps, insiders suggest the storyline will acknowledge the passage of time and the advanced age of its veteran leads, balancing signature high-octane set-pieces with age-appropriate character comedy.
With script polishes complete and studio backing locked in, production on Lethal Finale is expected to commence within the coming months, promising fans a fitting theatrical send-off for one of cinema's most iconic double acts.
