The Explosive Truth About Lethal Weapon 5: Will Danny Glover And Mel Gibson Finally Reunite On Screen?

The enduring partnership of Danny Glover and Mel Gibson, the iconic duo behind the beloved Lethal Weapon franchise, is on the cusp of an electrifying return, yet the long-awaited fifth installment continues its decades-long dance with development hell. As of December 2025, the project—tentatively titled Lethal Weapon 5 or Lethal Finale—remains officially in development at Warner Bros., with Mel Gibson confirmed to direct and star alongside his co-star, Danny Glover. While the script is reportedly "emotional" and ready, the film's production timeline faces significant delays, keeping fans of the classic buddy-cop action genre in suspense.

The core intention behind the new film is to honor the legacy of the original four movies and the late, legendary director Richard Donner, who was instrumental in launching the careers of both Gibson and Glover in 1987. This article dives deep into the current status of the project, the biographies of the two stars, and the topical authority surrounding the most anticipated action-comedy sequel in Hollywood history.

The Dynamic Duo: Mel Gibson and Danny Glover Career Profiles

The synergy between the reckless, suicidal Martin Riggs (Gibson) and the cautious, family-man Roger Murtaugh (Glover) defined the action genre for a generation. Their off-screen profiles reveal two actors with vastly different but equally impactful careers, converging repeatedly for one of cinema's most successful franchises.

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Mel Gibson (Martin Riggs)

• Full Name: Mel Colmcille Gerard Gibson
• Born: January 3, 1956 (Peekskill, New York)
• Key Roles (Outside LW): Max Rockatansky in the Mad Max franchise, William Wallace in Braveheart, Bret Maverick in Maverick.
• Directing Highlights: Braveheart (Academy Award for Best Director), The Passion of the Christ, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge.
• LW Role: Martin Riggs, a troubled, unhinged detective whose "lethal weapon" skills are matched only by his dark sense of humor.
• Current Focus: Directing and starring in Lethal Weapon 5, though his primary current commitment is the long-gestating sequel, The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.

Danny Glover (Roger Murtaugh)

• Full Name: Daniel Lebern Glover
• Born: July 22, 1946 (San Francisco, California)
• Key Roles (Outside LW): Mister in The Color Purple, Mike Harrigan in Predator 2, Albert in To Sleep with Anger, and a cameo in Maverick.
• Activism: A prominent political activist and producer, known for his work in civil rights and social justice.
• LW Role: Roger Murtaugh, the grounded Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detective who is "too old for this sh*t," providing the perfect foil to Riggs' chaos.
• Current Focus: Continues to act in diverse roles across film and television, maintaining his status as a respected figure in Hollywood and a passionate humanitarian.

Lethal Weapon 5: The Long Road to the 'Lethal Finale'

The idea of a fifth Lethal Weapon film has been discussed almost since the release of Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998. The initial attempts to revive the franchise were spearheaded by the original director, Richard Donner, who had directed all four films and was a close friend to both Gibson and Glover. Donner’s involvement provided the necessary assurance that the sequel would maintain the integrity of the beloved action-comedy series.

Following Donner’s passing in 2021, the project's future became uncertain. However, Mel Gibson stepped up to honor his mentor's final wish, confirming he would take over the directing duties while also reprising his role as Martin Riggs. This decision was a powerful nod to Donner’s legacy and a commitment to delivering a proper conclusion to the buddy-cop saga.

The Emotional Screenplay and Returning Cast

The script for Lethal Weapon 5, which was developed with Richard Donner, has been consistently praised by those close to the production. Mel Gibson himself has described the screenplay as "emotional," suggesting a deeper, more poignant conclusion for the characters of Riggs and Murtaugh. This hints that the film will not just be a standard action vehicle but a reflective look at the lives of two detectives who have grown old together in the line of duty.

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While the focus is on the core duo, the return of other key entities from the franchise is highly anticipated. Fans are hopeful that co-stars like Joe Pesci, who played the fan-favorite character Leo Getz, and Rene Russo, who portrayed Lorna Cole, will also make appearances to round out the "Lethal Finale." The inclusion of these familiar faces is crucial for maintaining the topical authority and nostalgic appeal of the long-running series.

Production Delays and the Future of the Franchise

Despite the confirmed involvement of the lead actors and a completed, praised script, the production of Lethal Weapon 5 faces a major roadblock: the schedule of its new director and star, Mel Gibson. Gibson has been heavily focused on the development and production of his sequel to The Passion of the Christ, which has taken precedence over the action sequel.

Director Allan Ungar, who has been associated with the project, provided a disappointing, albeit realistic, update, confirming that Gibson’s commitment to the religious epic has caused an indefinite delay for the buddy-cop movie. This means that while Lethal Weapon 5 is not canceled, it is currently on hold until Gibson’s schedule clears.

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The Enduring Appeal of Riggs and Murtaugh

The enduring appeal of the Lethal Weapon franchise—a cornerstone of the 1980s and 90s action-comedy landscape—lies in the perfect, contrast-driven chemistry between Riggs and Murtaugh. Their relationship transcended the typical "buddy-cop" formula, evolving from reluctant partners to a genuine, unbreakable family. This depth is what gives the franchise its topical authority and why a "Lethal Finale" is so important to fans.

The series, originally penned by Shane Black, masterfully blended high-octane action sequences with genuine emotional stakes and sharp humor. The eventual return of Gibson and Glover will mark a cinematic event, providing closure to the story of two iconic Los Angeles detectives who taught the world that you're never truly "too old for this sh*t." The eventual release of Lethal Weapon 5 will serve as both a tribute to Richard Donner and a final, explosive chapter for one of Hollywood's most beloved partnerships.