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Mel Gibson Says Lethal Weapon 5 Script Is Complete as Production Remains Stalled

A Donner‑guided, character‑driven draft signals creative progress even though the film has not secured studio approval to begin production.

Overview

  • Gibson says he and screenwriter Richard Wenk have finished a new Lethal Weapon 5 script that focuses on older, more vulnerable versions of Riggs and Murtaugh.
  • He reports the draft was shaped by the late director Richard Donner’s vision and that Donner had asked Gibson to take over the project if needed.
  • Gibson has taken a more active development role and has told colleagues he may direct the film, according to recent interviews.
  • Despite the script progress, Gibson says the project is “tied up in some kind of industrial film hell,” a phrase he used to describe studio, financing and scheduling obstacles that are blocking a greenlight.
  • The franchise’s long history of stalled attempts and the stars’ enduring chemistry mean any move toward production will hinge on clearing rights, money and cast timing before filming can start.