It’s been nearly 20 years since we last saw Lethal Weapon’s Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh. Now it appears like the perennially too-old-for-this-shit buddy cop duo are set to appear in a new TV series, based on Richard Donner’s classic action-comedy film series.
A small-screen adaptation of the big-screen franchise has been whispered of for some time. But it appears Fox are now jumping. Following a successful pilot, a full series has been ordered, and will form part of the Fox network’s 2016-2017 line-up.
Clayne Crawford, a character actor perhaps best known for a recurring role on post-apocalyptic TV series Jericho, will be playing Riggs, the role originally played by Mel Gibson, while Damon Wayans Sr. will be stepping into Danny Glover’s shoes to play Murtaugh. (At 55, Wayans Sr. is actually older than Glover was at the time of the first film, so in that respect at least, he fits.) The Fast & Furious’ Jordana Brewster will also star.
McG (Terminator Salvation, Charlie’s Angels) is among the executive producers, and directed the pilot. He spoke to us in March about the challenges of adapting a much-loved franchise.
"It's extremely tough doing this," McG told us. "I'm thinking all the time about what is it Mel delivered and what is it Danny delivered. Richard Donner is someone I look up to tremendously. What did they do to create that magic and how can I adjust that and capture the essence of what it is, but make it new and work for today?”
McG continues: “I think [Phil] Lord and [Christopher] Miller do it so well. You see what they did with Jump Street, which was no gimme. I wouldn't have believed that Fargo could ever live up to the film and it certainly did. I hope I get Lethal Weapon right or I'm going to feel sick about it for a very long time." No doubt, there will be a generation of Lethal Weapon fans feeling the same way.
Read our reunion of the original Lethal Weapon double-act, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, plus director Danny Glover – part of Empire’s ‘80s Month.