The Explosive Truth: Why The Lethal Weapon 5 Trailer Still Hasn't Dropped

As of December 12, 2025, the single most searched-for item by fans of the iconic buddy-cop franchise is the official Lethal Weapon 5 trailer, but here is the definitive, up-to-date answer: there is no official trailer, teaser, or footage available. The countless "trailers" circulating on YouTube are all fan-made concepts, often using AI or spliced footage from the previous four films, which is a testament to the massive anticipation for the final installment. The simple truth behind the missing trailer is that the film, which will see Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, has not yet started principal photography.

The highly-anticipated sequel, which has been in development hell for years, has received a crucial and disappointing update: it is still facing significant delays, pushing its production start date further back into the future. While the film has a "really good screenplay" and a committed director in Mel Gibson, the complexities of studio scheduling, financing, and the focus of its lead star on other projects have stalled the release of any promotional material. This article breaks down the current production status, the reasons for the delay, and the earliest possible window for the first official trailer to drop.

Lethal Weapon 5: Production & Key Personnel Profile

The fifth and final entry in the Lethal Weapon series is a legacy project, carrying the torch from the late, great director Richard Donner. The film is often rumored to be titled Lethal Finale, and its production history is as action-packed as the movies themselves. This is the profile of the key figures and the production timeline as of late 2025:

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• Official Title: Currently listed as Lethal Weapon 5 (Rumored Title: Lethal Finale)
• Director: Mel Gibson (Taking over from the late Richard Donner)
• Screenwriter: Richard Wenk (Known for The Equalizer franchise), based on a story by Richard Donner.
• Starring: Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh
• Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
• Status: In Development/Pre-Production (Script Complete)
• Projected Production Start: TBD (Previously estimated for mid-2024)
• Projected Release Window: Late 2025 to Early 2026 (Highly Contingent on Production)

The Truth About the Lethal Weapon 5 Trailer and Teasers

The primary reason you have not seen an official Lethal Weapon 5 trailer is simple: the movie has not been filmed. A trailer requires footage, and without a completed production, any "teasers" are either speculative or entirely fan-created. The search results are flooded with high-quality, but ultimately fake, conceptual trailers, which only fuel the confusion for the casual moviegoer.

The 'Fan-Made' Trailer Phenomenon

A number of highly-viewed YouTube videos feature titles like "Lethal Weapon 5: New Blood (2025) | First Teaser Trailer" or "Lethal Weapon 5 | First Trailer Concept." These videos are expertly crafted using:

• Clips from the original Lethal Weapon films (1987, 1989, 1992, 1998).
• Footage of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover from their recent, unrelated films.
• AI-generated visuals and voiceovers to create new dialogue.
• Conceptual release dates like "2025" to give the impression of official news.

While these concept trailers are fun for fans, they are not official marketing materials from Warner Bros. Pictures. The moment an official trailer is released, it will be announced through major studio channels and entertainment news outlets, not via unverified YouTube accounts.

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Why the Production is Facing Significant Delays

The journey to get Lethal Weapon 5 off the ground has been a saga spanning decades, but the most recent, crucial delays stem from a few key factors that have pushed the expected production start date repeatedly. The initial momentum came after director Richard Donner's passing in 2021, when Mel Gibson stepped up to honor his friend's final wish to make the film.

1. Studio Bureaucracy and Logistics

Mel Gibson himself confirmed the screenplay is excellent, but he cited "the studio stuff" as the primary hurdle. Complex projects involving major legacy sequels, two high-profile actors, and a major studio like Warner Bros. Pictures require extensive logistical planning, budgeting, and scheduling. This bureaucratic process has proven to be slower than initially anticipated.

2. Mel Gibson's Focus on Other Projects

A significant factor in the current delay is Mel Gibson's commitment to directing another highly-anticipated sequel: The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection. Director Allan Ungar, who has close ties to the production, confirmed that Gibson’s current focus is on his religious epic, pushing Lethal Weapon 5 further down his timeline. Until Gibson is free to dedicate his full attention to directing and starring as Martin Riggs, the production cannot move forward.

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3. The "Lethal Finale" Script and Story

The screenplay is reportedly complete and has been praised by those involved. It is designed to be the definitive "Lethal Finale," providing a poignant and explosive conclusion to the story of Detectives Riggs and Murtaugh. The script has to successfully bridge the 25+ year gap since Lethal Weapon 4 while honoring the classic buddy-cop action formula. The high bar for the final script, ensuring it's the perfect send-off, may also contribute to the careful, non-rushed approach to production.

Cast, Plot Rumors, and What to Expect from the Finale

Despite the lack of an official trailer, the core elements of Lethal Weapon 5 are confirmed, giving fans plenty to speculate about until the film enters production. The return of the original cast is the foundation of the film’s appeal.

The Iconic Duo Returns: Riggs and Murtaugh

Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are officially set to reprise their roles as the reckless Martin Riggs and the "too old for this" Roger Murtaugh. Their on-screen chemistry is the heart of the franchise, and their reunion after all these years will be central to the story. Danny Glover has been seen reuniting with Gibson at fan conventions, confirming their joint commitment to the project.

Plot Speculation: A Poignant Conclusion

While the official plot is a closely guarded secret, the consensus among industry insiders and fans is that the film will serve as a passing of the torch or a final, explosive case that forces the retired or semi-retired duo back into action. Given the age of the characters, the story will likely incorporate themes of legacy, aging, and a final confrontation with a threat that only their unique partnership can handle. There is speculation that the story may involve Murtaugh's family, or perhaps a new generation of LAPD officers, allowing the film to introduce new characters for the future, a common trope in legacy sequels.

When Can We Expect the Official Trailer?

Based on the current production status, the most optimistic timeline for an official Lethal Weapon 5 trailer would be approximately 6 to 9 months after principal photography begins. If production were to somehow start in early 2026, a teaser trailer could potentially drop in late 2026, targeting a 2027 release date. Until Mel Gibson wraps his current directing commitments and the studio issues an official production start date, all trailers and release dates remain speculative. Fans must continue to exercise patience, knowing that the "really good screenplay" is waiting for the perfect moment to bring the buddy-cop action classic to its final conclusion.