Mel Gibson will reportedly direct the upcoming Lethal Weapon 5.
Originally, Richard Donner – who had directed all four of the previous Lethal Weapon films – had been developing the picture. He passed away in July of 2021, sparking uncertainly over the film’s future.
Variety reports that Richard Wenk is penning the script, with Donner’s wife – Lauren Schuler Donner – set to produce. Dan Lin will also produce for Rideback.
Gibson, who starred in the 1987 original, revealed that it was Donner’s wish for him to take over the franchise in the event of his passing.
“He was developing the screenplay and he got pretty far along with it,” said Gibson. “And he said to me one day, ‘Listen kid, if I kick the bucket, you will do it.’”
“He did indeed pass away, but he did ask me to do it, and, at the time, I didn’t say anything. He said it to his wife and to the studio and the producers. So, I will be directing the fifth one.”
The 65-year-old actor is well known for his award-winning work on Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto. More recently, Gibson has been announced to star in the upcoming thriller, Hot Seat, and the new John Wick spinoff series, The Continental.
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