There are four core Lethal Weapon movies starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as the iconic duo, Riggs and Murtaugh. While a fifth film was released in 2023, it is considered a continuation and expansion of the original story, but the core film count remains at four.
The Enduring Appeal of Lethal Weapon
The Lethal Weapon film series, debuting in 1987, redefined the buddy cop genre. More than just action-packed entertainment, these films cleverly blended thrilling car chases, intense shootouts, and expertly choreographed fight sequences with surprisingly poignant character development. The heart of the franchise lies in the contrasting personalities of Martin Riggs, a suicidal and reckless cop haunted by his wife’s death, and Roger Murtaugh, a by-the-book family man approaching his 50th birthday (and famously “too old for this sh*t”). This unlikely partnership, forged in the crucible of dangerous cases and personal loss, resonated with audiences and propelled the films to blockbuster status.
Beyond the action, Lethal Weapon explored themes of grief, loyalty, family, and the corrupting influence of power. The series consistently challenged societal norms and presented morally ambiguous characters, adding layers of complexity absent in many contemporary action films. The witty banter and genuine affection between Riggs and Murtaugh provided a much-needed counterbalance to the film’s darker elements, solidifying their status as one of cinema’s most beloved duos.
The Core Four: A Deep Dive
Let’s examine each of the original four Lethal Weapon films, highlighting their individual contributions to the overall narrative and exploring the evolution of the characters.
Lethal Weapon (1987): The Beginning
The first film introduced Riggs and Murtaugh and established the foundation for their dynamic. Riggs, reeling from his wife’s death, teeters on the edge, while Murtaugh navigates the pressures of his job and family life. The case they investigate, involving a prostitution ring connected to former CIA operatives, exposes a dark underbelly of Los Angeles. This film successfully launched the franchise by balancing intense action with genuine emotional depth.
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989): Diplomatic Immunity and South African Apartheid
The sequel took a slightly more comedic approach, but still maintained a strong action core. Riggs and Murtaugh are assigned to protect a witness in a money laundering case involving South African diplomats using their diplomatic immunity to shield their criminal activities. This film brought awareness to the issue of South African apartheid at the time, making it surprisingly topical for a buddy cop action film. The introduction of Leo Getz (Joe Pesci) as a key witness added comedic relief and became a recurring character.
Lethal Weapon 3 (1992): Internal Affairs and Glock 17s
This installment ramped up the action and brought in a new character, Lorna Cole (Rene Russo), an Internal Affairs detective who became Riggs’ romantic interest. The case revolves around stolen firearms, particularly Glock 17s, falling into the wrong hands. The film explored themes of police corruption and the dangers of unchecked power within law enforcement. The addition of Cole provided a strong female presence and further complicated Riggs’ emotional landscape.
Lethal Weapon 4 (1998): Chinese Triads and Counterfeit Currency
The final (at the time) film saw Riggs and Murtaugh facing off against Chinese triads involved in smuggling illegal immigrants and counterfeiting currency. The film introduced Jet Li as the primary antagonist, showcasing his impressive martial arts skills. This installment focused on the evolving relationships between Riggs and Cole, and Murtaugh and his growing family. It felt like a satisfying conclusion to the quartet, resolving some of the characters’ lingering issues and solidifying their bond.
The Question of Lethal Weapon 5 (2023): Lethal Weapon
While often referred to as Lethal Weapon 5, the film released in 2023 is technically titled Lethal Weapon and is billed as a continuation and expansion of the original story rather than a traditional sequel. Directing and starring Mel Gibson took the helm, and Danny Glover reprised his role. The film explores new challenges and threats, while also grappling with the passage of time and the characters’ advancing age. However, its reception was mixed, and its canonical status as a direct continuation of the “core four” is debated among fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Lethal Weapon Franchise
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify aspects of the Lethal Weapon universe:
FAQ 1: Who directed the original Lethal Weapon films?
Richard Donner directed the original four Lethal Weapon films. His direction was crucial in establishing the tone, pacing, and character dynamics that defined the franchise.
FAQ 2: What made the Riggs and Murtaugh partnership so compelling?
The contrasting personalities and the evolving bond between Riggs and Murtaugh were the driving forces behind the franchise’s success. Their banter, loyalty, and shared experiences created a believable and engaging on-screen relationship.
FAQ 3: What themes are explored in the Lethal Weapon movies beyond action?
The films delve into themes of grief, loss, loyalty, family, corruption, and the challenges of aging. These themes add depth and resonance to the action sequences, making the characters more relatable.
FAQ 4: What role did Joe Pesci play in the Lethal Weapon series?
Joe Pesci played Leo Getz, a fast-talking, irritating, but ultimately helpful witness who becomes a recurring character in the sequels. His comedic presence provided a counterpoint to the serious tone of the films.
FAQ 5: How did the Lethal Weapon movies impact the buddy cop genre?
The Lethal Weapon films redefined the buddy cop genre by incorporating more complex characters, intense action, and social commentary. They set a new standard for the genre and influenced countless subsequent films.
FAQ 6: Was there a Lethal Weapon TV series?
Yes, there was a Lethal Weapon TV series that premiered in 2016 and ran for three seasons. The series featured new actors playing Riggs and Murtaugh and offered a contemporary take on the franchise.
FAQ 7: Who played Riggs and Murtaugh in the TV series?
Clayne Crawford initially played Martin Riggs, and Damon Wayans played Roger Murtaugh. However, Crawford was replaced by Seann William Scott as Wesley Cole for the third season.
FAQ 8: Are there any plans for future Lethal Weapon movies or TV shows?
While nothing is definitively confirmed beyond the 2023 Lethal Weapon film, given the franchise’s enduring popularity, it’s always possible that future installments could be considered. However, the passing of Richard Donner makes any further films more difficult.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch the Lethal Weapon movies?
The Lethal Weapon movies are typically available for streaming on various platforms, including HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region and current licensing agreements. They are also often available for purchase or rental on digital platforms.
FAQ 10: What is the significance of Murtaugh’s catchphrase, “I’m too old for this sh*t”?
This catchphrase, repeated throughout the series, highlights Murtaugh’s growing weariness with the dangers and challenges of his job as he gets older. It also adds a layer of humor and relatability to his character.
FAQ 11: How much did the original Lethal Weapon movie gross at the box office?
The original Lethal Weapon grossed over $120 million worldwide, cementing its status as a blockbuster hit and launching the successful franchise.
FAQ 12: What are some similar movies to Lethal Weapon that I might enjoy?
If you enjoy the Lethal Weapon series, you might also like other buddy cop movies such as Bad Boys, 48 Hrs., Rush Hour, and Miami Vice. These films share similar themes of action, humor, and compelling character dynamics.