Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon is an American buddy cop action film franchise created by Shane Black. The series consists of four films released between 1987 and 1998, and a television series which aired from 2016 to 2019. The films were directed by Richard Donner and star Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detectives Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, respectively.

Films

The Lethal Weapon series includes the following films:

• Lethal Weapon (1987)
• Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
• Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
• Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)

Lethal Weapon (1987)

The first film introduces Martin Riggs, a former Special Forces soldier who has become suicidal following the death of his wife. He is partnered with Roger Murtaugh, a veteran detective with a family. Together, they uncover a drug-smuggling operation.

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

In the second film, Riggs and Murtaugh investigate a South African drug cartel led by Arjen Rudd, who is using diplomatic immunity to cover his criminal activities. The film also introduces Leo Getz, played by Joe Pesci, a federal witness under the protection of Riggs and Murtaugh.

Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

The third installment sees Riggs and Murtaugh dealing with an ex-cop turned arms dealer, Jack Travis. The film also introduces Lorna Cole, played by Rene Russo, a tough Internal Affairs officer who becomes Riggs' love interest.

Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)

In the fourth film, Riggs and Murtaugh face off against a Chinese triad led by Wah Sing Ku, played by Jet Li. The film explores themes of family and aging, as Murtaugh prepares for retirement and Riggs deals with impending fatherhood.

Television Series

A television adaptation of the film series aired on Fox from 2016 to 2019. The series starred Clayne Crawford as Martin Riggs and Damon Wayans as Roger Murtaugh. The show follows the same basic premise as the films, with Riggs and Murtaugh solving crimes in Los Angeles.

Cast and Characters

• Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs
• Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh
• Joe Pesci as Leo Getz
• Rene Russo as Lorna Cole
• Jet Li as Wah Sing Ku

Production

The Lethal Weapon films were produced by Warner Bros. and are known for their blend of action, humor, and character development. The series was a significant commercial success and has had a lasting impact on the buddy cop genre.

Legacy

The Lethal Weapon franchise is considered one of the most successful and influential action film series of all time. It has inspired numerous other films and television shows in the buddy cop genre.

See Also

• Buddy cop film
• Action film
• Los Angeles Police Department
• Special Forces