Mel Gibson has stepped up to take the helm of the long in gestation ‘Lethal Weapon 5.’
Gibson takes over the helm from Richard Donner – who had previously directed all of the instalments in the Lethal Weapon franchise – who sadly passed away in July. It is said that Donnor had been working on developing the movie when he passed.
Having spent many years in development, the project has seen a number of writers come and go. The latest draft has been penned by Richard Wenk, Wenk wrote the Denzel Washington thriller ‘Equalizer.’
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Dan Lin of Rideback is producing with Shuler Donner and Gibson now joining him. Rideback’s Jonathan Eirich and The Donners’ Company’s Derek Hoffman will exec produce.
Gibson had confirmed at an event over the weekend he had been giving Donnor’s blessing to take over the helm. Donnor is quoted as saying to Gibson; “Listen, Kid, if I kick the bucket, you will do it.’ And I said, ‘Shut up.’
“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.”
The franchise pretty much launched the studio career of Gibson back in the ’80s after his starring roles in the ‘Mad Max’ Franchise.
