More than 25 years after the last film in the Lethal Weapon franchise, the question of whether Lethal Weapon 5 will ever actually be made remains unanswered — but insiders and cast members continue to insist the project is still in development.
A Legacy Franchise, Still in Limbo
The Lethal Weapon series, first launched in 1987, made its name as one of Hollywood’s most successful buddy-cop franchises, pairing Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs and Danny Glover’s Roger Murtaugh in a mix of explosive action, sharp comedy, and heartfelt partnership. While the first four films drove the series through the 1980s and 90s, no fifth installment has ever reached theaters.
Producer Dan Lin confirmed as early as 2020 that Lethal Weapon 5 was in the works with the original cast returning — including Gibson and Glover — and that the story was intended to be the franchise’s final installment.
However, Lethal Weapon 5 has since remained stuck in development. Despite periodic updates, the film has not entered principal photography, and no release date has been announced.
Mel Gibson to Direct (… Someday)
Following the death of longtime Lethal Weapon director Richard Donner in 2021, Mel Gibson publicly confirmed that he would take over directing duties for the sequel — a decision Donner himself had reportedly suggested before his passing. Gibson has said the screenplay Donner was developing had reached an advanced stage, and that his team continued polishing it afterward.
Gibson has described the script as “really good,” blending the franchise’s traditional humor with serious themes and emotional depth, and has reiterated that he intends to both star in and direct the project.
In interviews, Gibson has also stated that the film is still “absolutely” in the works, and that he remains committed to bringing it to life — even as he balances other projects.
Why Production Has Been Delayed
Several factors have contributed to the project’s slow development:
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Studio shake-ups at Warner Bros. Discovery, especially after corporate restructuring and changes in leadership, have created uncertainty around mid-budget tentpole films and streaming strategies. Gibson has specifically cited internal issues at the studio as a major reason the film hasn’t moved forward.
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The ongoing process of refining the script — including multiple drafts — has also kept Lethal Weapon 5 from entering production.
Despite these delays, cast members and allied filmmakers have repeatedly reiterated their interest in seeing the project through, and fan enthusiasm remains strong.
Cast and Plot Status
At this stage, no official cast list or confirmed plot details have been released by Warner Bros. The only confirmed participation to date involves Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, with Gibson’s dual role as lead actor and director often emphasized in interviews.
Plot specifics — including whether longtime franchise characters like Lorna Cole (Rene Russo) will return — have not been publicly confirmed. As of now, everything beyond the idea of a fifth film remains speculative.
When Could Lethal Weapon 5 Finally Happen?
There is currently no official production start date or release window for Lethal Weapon 5. Statements from those close to the project suggest optimism, but concrete timelines are absent. The film’s progress continues to depend on studio commitment, script readiness, and logistical alignment between the cast and production team.
In Summary
⏱️ Lethal Weapon 5 is still officially in development — with Mel Gibson attached to star and direct, and Danny Glover expected to return — but as of now it has not entered production or set a release date.
📌 The script has been praised by Gibson, the franchise’s original chemistry remains beloved by fans, and the project persists despite industry obstacles — but the long-awaited sequel still has no firm timeline.