Mel Gibson Dismantles Lethal Weapon
Apparently Danny Glover isn’t the only one getting too old for this shit. Rumour has it that Mel Gibson has not only turned down a trip to Bartertown, but won’t be returning to the franchise that made him a megastar in North America; Lethal Weapon. Reasons vary, from loyalty to original Lethal Weapon helmer Richard Donner who won’t be returning to the director’s chair to the thought that with four movies and twenty-two years having passed maybe it’s a good time to lay Riggs and Murtaugh to rest.
Unlike the demise of the Mad Max franchise, I can’t say I’m terribly upset about this news. While I enjoyed the first Lethal Weapon movie, the law of diminishing returns was so strong in this series that I can’t even remember which of the sequels I’ve seen. I don’t think I was even aware of a fourth movie until it had already been in theatres for weeks. Besides, I’m so much more interested in someone like Gibson using his influence to create idiosyncratic work like Apocalypto than retread well-worn ground. Am I alone in feeling this way, or are there a few of you out there rending your garments in grief over the demise of Lethal Weapon?
Comments (7)
I think the only thing that the proposed Lethal Weapon 5 had going for it was the return of original screenwriter Shane Black. But after recently watching Apocalypto for the first time, I can honestly say I agree with you: I’m WAY more interested to see what Mel’s next directorial gig will be.
Posted by Sean on March 12th, 2009finally a franchise has stopped, until they decide to remake it down the road. Gibson is making the smart choice by killing the series, the first 2 Weapons were good, then it started to fizzle. and if Glover is not on board or Donner, whats the point.
Posted by Chopper on March 12th, 2009It seems to me that one thing is Mel acting and another thing is Mel directing, although both of them are just great, and thst because the man himself is great, whatever he does in front of or behind the cameras.
Posted by marinamiz on March 12th, 2009I am dying for at least one clue about the next piece of art Mel will give to us, as a director, in a near future… at the same time all my tears go to the «already dead new moments» with Mad Max or Martin Riggs (Mel has already said NO and I must support his point). In the meanwhile I keep dreaming with Mel’s performance in the next November «Edge of Darkness» and showing my best laugh to his hilarious «The Colonel» and his also great sense of humour.
What more can I do? Could you, please, tell me what are the true fans for?
WHO RUNS BARTERTOWN?????
Posted by doug nagy on March 13th, 2009Well, if he won’t do either and the public is restless for more of each….I could use more Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, eh……there is always the reboot. Reboots are all the rage right now. That’s one way to restart a tired franchise…..the reboot.
I could write 10,000 words on the reboot phenomenon, but I think it’s safe to say there have been some really good reboots and some that make you go huh? The idea of a fresh interpretation on an established property intrigues me.
I would love to see a reboot of the Mad Max franchise…not animated. I worship Road Warrior, loved Mad Max, and really liked Thunderdome, but I don’t know if you can go on after the third film. Perhaps the film can be set in a future time after Max’s death but….the real story is back in the beginning.
I would love to see the time period between the first and second films explored in more depth. Was Max a brutal thug like the Toecutters or Wez? What did he have to do to survive?
I agree that Gibson is far too valuable making new films. I can’t wait for the Apocalypto or We Were Soldiers.
I want Gibson to play Daniel Boone.
Posted by Joe Puglia on March 13th, 2009I’d love to see a lethal weapon 5, with Mel and Danny in it. I know its not going to happen in my lifetime, but i hope i do… They were great movies to sit down and watch anytime of day. Rigg’s was one crazy son of a bitch, and I dont think that anybody could have played the part better than Mel Gibson. I would love to get him drunk to try and talk him into doing a Lethal Weapon 5
Posted by swine on July 20th, 2009The man is a ledgend in my book.
Posted by swine on July 20th, 2009Leave a Reply