Who Starred in Lethal Weapon?
The Lethal Weapon franchise is a beloved action-comedy series that has captivated audiences for decades. The original film, released in 1987, starred Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs, a loose-cannon detective, and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh, a by-the-book detective. The movie’s success spawned a franchise with five sequels, and the duo’s on-screen chemistry remains one of the most iconic in film history.
The Original Cast
The first Lethal Weapon film brought together two actors with distinct styles and strengths. Mel Gibson, a rising star at the time, was known for his rugged, macho persona in films like Mad Max (1979) and The Bounty (1984). Danny Glover, on the other hand, had already established himself as a talented dramatic actor in films like Places in the Heart (1984) and The Color Purple (1985).
Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs
Gibson’s portrayal of Martin Riggs, a suicidal detective with a penchant for reckless behavior, earned him widespread critical acclaim. Riggs’ character was a complex mix of humor, pathos, and intensity, which Gibson brought to life with his signature brooding intensity. Gibson’s performance was praised for its nuance and depth, making Riggs a memorable and relatable character.
Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh
Glover’s Roger Murtaugh, a family man and a by-the-book detective, provided a perfect counterbalance to Riggs’ antics. Murtaugh’s character was a more traditional cop, with a strong sense of duty and responsibility. Glover’s performance was praised for its warmth and likability, making Murtaugh a lovable and believable character.
The Supporting Cast
The original Lethal Weapon film featured a talented supporting cast, including:
- Gary Busey as Detective Jerry Calahan, a wise-cracking and eccentric cop
- Tom Atkins as Lieutenant Ed Murphy, a gruff and no-nonsense police officer
- Traci Wolfe as Rianne Greene, Murtaugh’s daughter
- Darlene Love as Trish Murtaugh, Murtaugh’s wife
The Franchise’s Evolution
The success of the original Lethal Weapon film led to a franchise with five sequels, featuring the same core cast. The sequels introduced new characters and plotlines, while maintaining the core chemistry between Riggs and Murtaugh. Here’s a brief overview of each film:
- Lethal Weapon 2 (1989): The sequel introduced a new villain, a South African diplomat, and a love interest for Riggs.
- Lethal Weapon 3 (1992): The third installment saw the introduction of a new villain, a corrupt businessman, and a deeper exploration of Riggs’ backstory.
- Lethal Weapon 4 (1998): The fourth film marked a significant change in the franchise, with Riggs and Murtaugh facing off against a group of Chinese gangsters.
- Lethal Weapon (2016): The TV series rebooted the franchise, featuring Clayne Crawford as Martin Riggs and Damon Wayans as Roger Murtaugh. The show ran for two seasons before being cancelled.
Impact and Legacy
The Lethal Weapon franchise has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with its catchphrases ("I’m too old for this s**t"), memorable characters, and over-the-top action sequences becoming ingrained in our collective consciousness. The franchise has also influenced countless other action-comedies, from Rush Hour to The Other Guys.
Conclusion
The original Lethal Weapon film brought together two talented actors, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, who delivered performances that have become iconic in the world of action-comedies. The franchise’s success can be attributed to the chemistry between the leads, as well as the clever writing and direction. As we look back on the franchise’s history, it’s clear that the original cast, including Gibson and Glover, remains the heart and soul of the Lethal Weapon franchise.
Table: Lethal Weapon Film Franchise
| Film | Release Year | Director | Cast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lethal Weapon | 1987 | Richard Donner | Mel Gibson, Danny Glover |
| Lethal Weapon 2 | 1989 | Richard Donner | Mel Gibson, Danny Glover |
| Lethal Weapon 3 | 1992 | Richard Donner | Mel Gibson, Danny Glover |
| Lethal Weapon 4 | 1998 | Richard Donner | Mel Gibson, Danny Glover |
| Lethal Weapon (TV Series) | 2016 | Various | Clayne Crawford, Damon Wayans |
Bullets List: Key Points
• Mel Gibson and Danny Glover starred in the original Lethal Weapon film
• The film’s success spawned a franchise with five sequels
• The franchise introduced new characters and plotlines while maintaining the core chemistry between Riggs and Murtaugh
• The original cast, including Gibson and Glover, remains the heart and soul of the Lethal Weapon franchise
• The franchise has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has influenced countless other action-comedies
