Mel Gibson Gives Lethal Weapon 5 Update
What Is Lethal Weapon 5?
Lethal Weapon 5 is an upcoming American buddy-cop action film and the fifth installment in the Warner Bros. franchise, directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The film is a sequel to the original four films released between 1987 and 1998, and it is being produced to conclude the narrative arc of Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh. The production solves the problem of franchise closure by bringing back original stars to deliver a final, definitive chapter.
According to TheMovieBlog's August 2026 report, the project has been in development for over a decade, with Gibson confirming that the script is complete and that pre-production is actively underway. The film belongs to the action-thriller genre and is expected to be released theatrically, though no official release date has been announced by Warner Bros. as of the publication date.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Lethal Weapon 5 |
| Director | Mel Gibson |
| Lead Actor | Mel Gibson (Martin Riggs) |
| Supporting Actor | Danny Glover (Roger Murtaugh) |
| Franchise Origin | Lethal Weapon (1987) |
| Production Status | Pre-production (as of August 2026) |
| Release Date | Unconfirmed |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Script Status | Completed |
| Previous Installment | Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) |
What Is the Current Status of Lethal Weapon 5?
As of August 2026, Lethal Weapon 5 is in active pre-production with a completed script, according to director and star Mel Gibson. The film has been delayed multiple times since its initial announcement in 2008, with previous setbacks attributed to script rewrites and scheduling conflicts. Gibson confirmed that the project is moving forward, though no production start date or theatrical release window has been officially announced.
The development timeline spans 18 years, making it one of the longest-gestating sequels in modern Hollywood history. In his interview with TheMovieBlog, Gibson stated that the creative team has prioritized honoring the legacy of the original films while delivering a conclusion that satisfies long-time fans. The production is expected to begin filming once final casting and location scouting are completed.
"We've got a script that we're happy with, and we're getting closer to making it happen. It's been a long road, but we want to get it right for the fans who have waited this long."
— Mel Gibson, in an interview with TheMovieBlog (August 2026)
Lethal Weapon 5 has been in development for 18 years, with the script completed and pre-production active as of August 2026.
What Is Danny Glover's Role in Lethal Weapon 5?
Danny Glover is confirmed to reprise his role as Roger Murtaugh, the veteran detective and Riggs' partner, in Lethal Weapon 5. Glover's involvement was confirmed by Gibson in the same August 2026 update, though the extent of his screen time has not been disclosed. The character is expected to play a central role in the film's narrative, continuing the partnership that defined the franchise.
Glover, who is 79 years old as of 2026, has appeared in all four previous Lethal Weapon films, with the most recent being Lethal Weapon 4 in 1998. The 28-year gap between the fourth and fifth installments represents the longest interval between any two films in the series. Gibson noted that the script was written specifically to accommodate both actors' current ages and physical capabilities, ensuring the action sequences remain credible.
Danny Glover is confirmed to return as Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon 5, marking his first appearance in the role in 28 years.
How Does Lethal Weapon 5 Compare to Previous Installments?
Lethal Weapon 5 differs from its predecessors in that it is the first film in the franchise directed by Mel Gibson, who previously only starred in the series. The original four films were directed by Richard Donner, who passed away in 2021. This directorial shift represents a significant creative change, with Gibson taking on dual responsibilities as both director and lead actor.
| Film | Release Year | Director | Box Office (Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lethal Weapon | 1987 | Richard Donner | $120 million |
| Lethal Weapon 2 | 1989 | Richard Donner | $227 million |
| Lethal Weapon 3 | 1992 | Richard Donner | $321 million |
| Lethal Weapon 4 | 1998 | Richard Donner | $285 million |
| Lethal Weapon 5 | TBA | Mel Gibson | N/A |
The franchise has grossed over $953 million worldwide across four films, according to Box Office Mojo data cited in the source material. Lethal Weapon 5 is expected to follow the established formula of blending action with comedic buddy dynamics, though Gibson has indicated a more serious tone to reflect the characters' ages.
The Lethal Weapon franchise has generated over $953 million in worldwide box office revenue across its first four films, with the fifth installment marking Gibson's directorial debut in the series.
Who Is This Film For?
Lethal Weapon 5 is primarily intended for audiences aged 35 and older who grew up with the original films and have followed the franchise since its 1987 debut. The film also targets action cinema enthusiasts who appreciate practical stunts and character-driven narratives. Given the 28-year gap since the last installment, the film is positioned as a nostalgia-driven event for original fans rather than a new entry point for younger viewers.
The production is also designed for viewers who value legacy sequels that respect source material, similar to recent franchise continuations like Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Creed III (2023). Gibson's involvement as director signals a personal stake in the project, which may appeal to audiences who prefer filmmaker-driven sequels over studio-mandated reboots.
Lethal Weapon 5 targets audiences aged 35 and older who have followed the franchise since 1987, positioning itself as a nostalgia-driven legacy sequel.
Common Questions
When will Lethal Weapon 5 be released?
No official release date has been announced as of August 2026. Mel Gibson confirmed that pre-production is active and the script is complete, but Warner Bros. has not scheduled a theatrical release window. Industry estimates suggest a potential 2027 or 2028 release if production begins within the next year.
Is Richard Donner involved in Lethal Weapon 5?
Richard Donner, who directed all four previous Lethal Weapon films, passed away in 2021 and is not involved in the production. Mel Gibson has taken over directorial duties, marking the first time the franchise has had a different director. Donner's influence remains through the established tone and character dynamics.
Will the original cast return for Lethal Weapon 5?
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are confirmed to return as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh. No other original cast members have been officially announced. The source material does not confirm whether supporting characters from previous films, such as Leo Getz or Lorna Cole, will appear in the sequel.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based exclusively on the source material published by TheMovieBlog in August 2026, titled "Mel Gibson Gives Lethal Weapon 5 Update." The source material was written in English and no translation was required. Box office figures cited in the comparison table are attributed to Box Office Mojo data referenced within the source material.
This article was last updated on August 15, 2026.