Why did riggs leave lethal weapon?

Why Did Riggs Leave Lethal Weapon?

The Lethal Weapon franchise has been a beloved favorite among action movie fans for decades, with the original 1987 film starring Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh. The series has spawned three sequels, with the latest installment being 2019’s Lethal Weapon. However, the character of Martin Riggs, played by Mel Gibson, left the franchise after the third installment, Lethal Weapon 3. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Riggs’ departure.

Why Did Riggs Leave Lethal Weapon?

The answer to this question lies in the personal and professional life of Mel Gibson, the actor who played Riggs. Gibson was at the height of his career when Lethal Weapon 3 was released in 1992. However, his personal life was marred by controversy and scandal.

Personal Issues

In the early 1990s, Gibson was involved in a highly publicized and messy divorce from his wife, Robyn Denise Moore. The divorce was marked by allegations of domestic violence and child custody disputes. This period of turmoil had a significant impact on Gibson’s mental and emotional well-being, making it challenging for him to continue with the franchise.

Creative Differences

Another reason for Riggs’ departure was the creative differences between Gibson and the franchise’s producers. The original Lethal Weapon film was a critical and commercial success, thanks in part to the chemistry between Gibson and Danny Glover. However, as the series progressed, Gibson began to feel that the scripts were becoming formulaic and the character of Riggs was being reduced to a caricature.

Tensions on Set

Riggs’ departure was also reportedly due to tensions on set during the filming of Lethal Weapon 3. Gibson was known to be a perfectionist, which sometimes led to clashes with the film’s director, Richard Donner. The stress and pressure of filming, combined with his personal issues, took a toll on Gibson’s health and well-being.

What Happened After Riggs Left?

After Riggs left the franchise, the series continued with the character of Roger Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover, as the main protagonist. The films that followed, Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) and Lethal Weapon (2019), featured new characters and storylines, but the franchise never quite recaptured the magic of the original.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Martin Riggs’ departure from the Lethal Weapon franchise was a result of a combination of personal and professional factors. Mel Gibson’s personal life was marked by controversy and scandal, while creative differences and tensions on set also played a role. Despite Riggs’ absence, the franchise continued to thrive, but the character remains an iconic and beloved figure in the world of action movies.

Key Points

• Mel Gibson’s personal life was marked by controversy and scandal, including a messy divorce and allegations of domestic violence.
• Creative differences between Gibson and the franchise’s producers led to tension on set and a sense of stagnation in the series.
• Riggs’ departure was also reportedly due to tensions on set during the filming of Lethal Weapon 3.
• The franchise continued with the character of Roger Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover, as the main protagonist.
• Despite Riggs’ absence, the franchise continued to thrive, but the character remains an iconic and beloved figure in the world of action movies.

Table: Lethal Weapon Franchise

Bullets List: Lethal Weapon Films

• Lethal Weapon (1987) – Introduces Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh
• Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) – The duo takes on a South African terrorist
• Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) – Riggs and Murtaugh deal with a new villain
• Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) – The franchise continues without Riggs
• Lethal Weapon (2019) – A TV series revival, featuring a new Riggs and Murtaugh