Mel Gibson has been working in the industry for many years now and has starred in many memorable films that have become classics. In addition to being a versatile actor, Gibson has shown his capabilities as a director with films like Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ, Apocalypto, and Hacksaw Ridge.
Gibson is most popularly known for playing Max Rockatansky in the Mad Max franchise and Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon films. A fifth Lethal Weapon film has been in development for many years. Gibson has now taken on the responsibility to take over what Donner created with the franchise and will be directing Lethal Weapon 5.
Mel Gibson Confirms Lethal Weapon 5 And Will Be Taking Over The Director’s Chair
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover starred as Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon franchise. The first three films were highly successful commercially while the fourth film did not perform as well as the three (all films combined grossing $952 million via The Numbers). Richard Donner and the two stars had planned for a fifth film for many years.
Unfortunately, Donner passed away in 2021 in the middle of scripting the film. There was no update about the fifth film for quite a while, but recently, Gibson has given great news about the film. In an appearance on the An Experience With podcast with Steven Oxley, the actor/filmmaker confirmed that he will be directing the fifth film and will carry on the legacy of his friend Donner.
Fans on X were ecstatic with the news and the imminent reunion of Gibson and Glover back in their iconic roles. In an unpredictable environment in Hollywood and with franchises becoming stale, fans believe that this is the right direction for the beloved franchise. Here are some of the reactions,
If Gibson is directing…
I'm in. pic.twitter.com/EKgMW1G4m4
— CINETRON (@CINETRONN) June 18, 2024
We will be there! pic.twitter.com/yHas6Xtis4
— Alex (@UnitedAlex7) June 18, 2024
Hollywood getting one right finally
— Justin (@Justin__NC) June 18, 2024
Wow, some actual good news finally coming out of Hollywood! 😁
— Thor Odinson (@Thor_Odinson) June 18, 2024
If Gibson is directing, there's a decent chance we'll be in the timeline where a lethal weapon movie is best picture quality.
— Henry Jones Jr. (@hnryjonesjr) June 18, 2024
While Gibson has not returned for the modern Mad Max films, he seems to be very happy with the progress of Lethal Weapon 5 and the story. The actor is also a great director and if Braveheart and Hacksaw Ridge are any indication, one can hope for a very entertaining and narratively engaging Lethal Weapon film.
Flight Risk Producer Praises Upcoming Film With Mark Wahlberg And Mel Gibson
After starring together in Daddy’s Home 2 and Father Stu, Mel Gibson is now directing Mark Wahlberg in the upcoming thriller film Flight Risk. One of the producers of the film Alex Lebovici teased what audiences can expect from the film in an interview with MovieWeb. Lebovici revealed that Gibson was very excited to do the film.
The producer described Flight Risk as a zany, wild, and action-packed film, where Wahlberg goes all out in a role that he has never done before. At the same time, the film is very intimate and contained, providing an absolute thrill ride that audiences will enjoy. Lebovici said,
It’s just so zany and wild and action-packed and cool, and Mark is fantastic Flight Risk is definitely different than anything he’s ever done before. It’s very intimate, very contained. It’s just a wild and fun thrill ride, and we’re excited for the world to see that one, too.
In addition to Wahlberg, the film also stars Topher Grace and Michelle Dockery. Flight Risk will hit theaters on October 18, 2024. Wahlberg has another release this year with Netflix’s The Union where he stars alongside Halle Barry, which will release on August 16, 2024.
