Rumors of a New Lethal Weapon Film: Debunking the July Release Poster

Recently, a poster has surfaced online asserting that a new Lethal Weapon movie is slated for release in July. This rumor gained traction after a Facebook user known as @YODA BBY ABY shared a fan-made graphic promoting the fifth installment of the iconic franchise, starring the original duo, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.

“RIGGS AND MURTAUGH ARE BACK!!!”

The post elaborated on the supposed plot, suggesting that Riggs (Gibson) and Murtaugh (Glover) have transitioned into retired life in Miami, where they co-own a private detective agency alongside Leo (Joe Pesci). However, an explosive case purportedly pulls them back into a chaotic world filled with danger.

“(However an) explosive case drags them back into a world of chaos and danger.”

Additionally, the fan poster claimed that Gibson would take the helm as director, with a theatrical release set for this July. However, enthusiasts should take note:

This poster is a product of fan creativity, with no official film currently in development.

Background on the Lethal Weapon Franchise

The Lethal Weapon series, initiated by Shane Black, is celebrated for its blend of buddy-cop action and comedy, featuring the dynamic duo of LAPD detectives, portrayed by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The series, comprising four films released from 1987 to 1998, captured audiences with its entertaining mix of humor and thrilling action sequences.

As the popularity of the original movies soared, a reboot of the series was also produced in television format, further highlighting its lasting appeal.

Though speculation about a fifth film ramped up in the late 2000s, it never transitioned into reality. According to a February 2025 report from Screen Rant, interest surged in legacy sequels during the late 2010s and early 2020s, particularly following the success of Top Gun: Maverick. Reports suggest that plans for Lethal Weapon 5 began taking shape in 2020.

Plans for Lethal Weapon 5 Before Richard Donner’s Passing

As detailed in a December 2020 article by CBR, the late director Richard Donner was set to guide the project, intending to direct the final film in the franchise with Gibson and Glover reprising their beloved roles. Donner expressed that it would mark his last directorial effort.

After his passing in 2021, progress on the sequel stalled. However, in a June 2024 interview on the Inspire Me podcast, Gibson shared that he would take over directing duties for the upcoming sequel:

“Richard Donner, who did the other four, sadly passed away and he was a good friend, and he kind of tasked me with carrying the flag home on that one. So it’ll be an honor for me to do that.”

Gibson revealed that a significant portion of the screenplay had already been crafted by Donner, and he intends to build upon that foundation, capturing a balance of humor and seriousness.

By September, Gibson indicated to ComicBook that he had made considerable progress on the script for Lethal Weapon 5.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of January 2025, Closer Weekly cited an insider source linked to the dormant franchise and its filmmakers, claiming that Gibson is optimistic about the script and believes it has the potential for monumental success once it receives the green light.

As it stands, there have been no further updates regarding the project.

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