An unexpected development, to say the least…
Rumoured for years and parodied with relish by the gang on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Lethal Weapon 5 looks to finally be on the cards… if you believe the word of Mel Gibson.
Not only is Gibson apparently back on board to star in the sequel, he will also take up directing duties from the late Richard Donner, who previously helmed the first four films between 1987 and 1998.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Donner, who passed away in July at the age of 91, had begun work on the screenplay for the fifth entry, which had been in and out of development for many years.
Gibson reportedly told an audience at an event in London over the weekend that he had received the blessing of the late director’s wife Lauren Shuler Donner to guide the project.
It’s the latest high-profile gig for Gibson, who was recently confirmed to appear in the forthcoming John Wick TV prequel The Continental.
That news was met with a notable degree of criticism, with many people citing numerous controversies involving Gibson over the years, ranging from highly-publicised incidences of homophobia, racism and anti-semitism, a domestic violence investigation and a recorded arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
No official release date for Lethal Weapon 5 has been confirmed, nor has the all-but-guaranteed involvement of Danny Glover.
Despite Gibson’s announcement, Deadline notes that a deal has yet to be struck with a major studio and that Gibson is currently “in talks” to direct and star.
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