Where was Lethal Weapon Filmed?
The 1987 action-comedy film Lethal Weapon, directed by Richard Donner, follows the story of two mismatched police officers, Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Murtaugh (Danny Glover), as they team up to solve a murder case. The film was a massive success, and its success can be attributed to its witty dialogue, over-the-top action sequences, and the chemistry between the two lead actors. But have you ever wondered where this iconic film was filmed?
Filming Locations
Lethal Weapon was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, and surrounding areas. Here are some of the key filming locations:
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Headquarters: The exterior shots of the LAPD headquarters were filmed at the actual police station located at 100 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Santa Monica Pier: The iconic pier was used as the location for the scene where Riggs and Murtaugh have a conversation while walking along the pier.
- Venice Beach: The beach was used as the location for the scene where Riggs and Murtaugh have a shootout with the bad guys.
- Santa Monica Boulevard: The scene where Riggs and Murtaugh drive down the boulevard in their police car was filmed on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Los Angeles.
- Pasadena City Hall: The exterior shots of the Pasadena City Hall were used as the location for the scene where Riggs and Murtaugh are investigating a crime.
- San Marino, California: The scenes where Riggs and Murtaugh are driving through the city were filmed in San Marino, a suburb of Los Angeles.
Studio Filming
While the majority of the film was shot on location, some scenes were filmed on studio sets. Here are some of the key studio filming locations:
- Warner Bros. Studios: The interior scenes of the LAPD headquarters, including the police station and the detective’s office, were filmed on the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Burbank, California.
- RKO Studios: The scenes where Riggs and Murtaugh are in the police car and have a conversation were filmed on the RKO Studios lot in Culver City, California.
Table: Filming Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| LAPD Headquarters | Exterior shots of the police station |
| Santa Monica Pier | Scene where Riggs and Murtaugh have a conversation |
| Venice Beach | Scene where Riggs and Murtaugh have a shootout |
| Santa Monica Boulevard | Scene where Riggs and Murtaugh drive down the boulevard |
| Pasadena City Hall | Exterior shots of the city hall |
| San Marino, California | Scenes where Riggs and Murtaugh drive through the city |
| Warner Bros. Studios | Interior scenes of the LAPD headquarters |
| RKO Studios | Scenes where Riggs and Murtaugh are in the police car |
Trivia
- Mel Gibson’s Stunt: During the filming of the movie, Mel Gibson performed many of his own stunts, including the iconic rooftop chase scene.
- Danny Glover’s Injury: Danny Glover suffered a broken rib during the filming of the movie, which required him to wear a bulletproof vest during the entire production.
- Lethal Weapon’s Success: The film was a major commercial success, grossing over $150 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1987.
Conclusion
Lethal Weapon is an iconic action-comedy film that has become a cult classic. The film’s success can be attributed to its witty dialogue, over-the-top action sequences, and the chemistry between the two lead actors. While the film was primarily filmed on location in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, some scenes were also filmed on studio sets. If you’re a fan of the film, it’s worth taking a trip to Los Angeles to visit some of the iconic filming locations.
