Content Warning: This article discusses antisemitism, racism, sexism, domestic abuse, and homophobia.
The biggest problem for Lethal Weapon 5 is, unfortunately, its most famous actor. The first Lethal Weapon movie was the debut of screenwriter Shane Black, who would go on to write and direct films such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3. Starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as a pair of mismatched cops investigating a murderous conspiracy linked to an illegal drug-smuggling ring, Lethal Weapon opened in March 1987 and became a massive hit, grossing over $120 million worldwide. This level of success meant that a sequel was inevitable. Lethal Weapon 2 was released two years later and made over $100 million more than the first movie, cementing the franchise's status.
Two more sequels followed in the 1990s, though they failed to match the successes of the first two Lethal Weapon films. The keys to the franchise's success were its comedic tone, even if the first Lethal Weapon movie is surprisingly dark, and its two co-stars. Danny Glover's cynical Roger Murtaugh contrasts perfectly with Mel Gibson's wild and wacky performance as the loose-cannon cop, Martin Riggs. However, Gibson's controversial public image presents a big problem for the last film in the franchise, Lethal Weapon 5, which he will both star in and direct.
Why Mel Gibson Might Doom Lethal Weapon 5
Mel Gibson's presence in Lethal Weapon 5 could be a big issue for audiences. Gibson has faced multiple controversies concerning antisemitism, racism, domestic abuse, and homophobia. For example, the actor, upon being arrested in 2006 for DUI, verbally abused a police officer with a flurry of anti-Semitic remarks. In 2019, a tape where Gibson launched into a sexist and racist tirade against his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva in 2010 was leaked. Later that year, Beetlejuice actress Winona Ryder spoke about an incident where Gibson allegedly made further anti-Semitic comments towards her, as well as a homophobic joke against her friend.
Gibson's film, The ion of the Christ, has also been accused of antisemitism due to its villainous depictions of Jewish characters surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. Nevertheless, despite Gibson's repeated controversies, he was able to somewhat resurrect his career in 2016 with the WWII drama, Hacksaw Ridge. The film was nominated for several Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson. Since then, however, Gibson has largely appeared in low-budget movies. Consequently, Gibson's continued controversies may mean that audiences will be completely turned off from Lethal Weapon 5.
Lethal Weapon 5's Only Chance Is Cheap Nostalgia
The only hope for success that Lethal Weapon 5 has, due to the presence of Mel Gibson, is simply nostalgia for the once-great Lethal Weapon franchise. Despite 2022 being Gibson's most prolific year as an actor, most of the films that he appeared in did not see a major release. Many audiences have turned sour on the actor due to his continued controversies and comments, meaning that Lethal Weapon 5 could struggle to reach wide appeal beyond uncritical fans of the franchise. Mel Gibson's behavior, therefore, presents a major problem for Lethal Weapon 5, especially due to his increased presence in the film as a director and a co-star.
