(Audacy) — Rumors of a new "Lethal Weapon" movie have floated around for years, but when director Richard Donner revealed he was working on a new installment of the franchise in 2020, many fans thought they would finally get their wish.
In July, Donner died at the age of 91, and the future of the franchise was put in question. However, Mel Gibson announced plans to replace Donner as director on "Lethal Weapon 5," reported Variety.
Gibson has led a number of iconic films throughout his career, including portraying Martin Riggs in the "Lethal Weapon" franchise.
The actor, who has starred alongside Danny Glover in four "Lethal Weapon" films since 1987, was recently asked about plans to take over as director of the franchise.
“He was developing the screenplay and he got pretty far along with it. And he said to me one day, ‘Listen kid, if I kick the bucket, you will do it.’ And I said: ‘Shut up,' ” Gibson said of Donner at an event in London, according to The Sun. “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 producer. So, I will be directing the fifth one.”
"Lethal Weapon 5" is expected to be the final film in the series. The most recent chapter, "Lethal Weapon 4," was released in 1998.
In 2016, Fox launched a television reboot of "Lethal Weapon" with Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford. It aired for three seasons before being canceled in 2019.