Who plays riggs in lethal weapon?

Who Plays Riggs in Lethal Weapon?

The Lethal Weapon franchise has been a staple in the action-comedy genre for decades, with its latest installment, Lethal Weapon (2016), being a reboot of the original series. The show follows the story of Roger Murtaugh (Clayne Crawford) and Martin Riggs (Damon Wayans Jr.), two detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department, as they navigate their way through cases and personal struggles.

But who plays Riggs in Lethal Weapon?

The Original Riggs: Mel Gibson

In the original Lethal Weapon film trilogy (1987-1998), the role of Martin Riggs was played by none other than Mel Gibson. Gibson’s portrayal of the loose-cannon detective from Australia became iconic, with his over-the-top performances and memorable one-liners. Riggs’ death in the third installment of the franchise left a void that was difficult to fill.

The Reboot: Damon Wayans Jr.

Fast-forward to the 2016 reboot of Lethal Weapon, and the role of Riggs was recast with Damon Wayans Jr. Wayans Jr. brings a fresh take to the character, with a more grounded and realistic approach. While some fans may have missed Mel Gibson’s over-the-top antics, Wayans Jr.’s portrayal was well-received by audiences and critics alike.

Why Was Mel Gibson Not Asked to Reprise His Role?

So, why wasn’t Mel Gibson asked to reprise his role as Riggs in the 2016 reboot? In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the show’s co-creator, Matt Miller, explained that the decision was made to create a new take on the character, rather than simply recycling the original. Miller stated, "We wanted to make it feel like a new show, not a rehashing of the old show."

Why Did Damon Wayans Jr. Leave the Show?

Despite the initial success of the show, Damon Wayans Jr. left the series after two seasons. Wayans Jr.’s departure was due to a reported feud with his co-star, Clayne Crawford. The tension between the two actors reportedly began to escalate during the second season, leading to Wayans Jr.’s decision to leave the show.

Who Took Over as Riggs After Damon Wayans Jr.?

After Wayans Jr.’s departure, Seann William Scott took over the role of Martin Riggs. Scott’s portrayal of Riggs was met with mixed reviews, with some fans feeling that he didn’t quite capture the essence of the character.

Comparison of the Different Riggs

Here’s a comparison of the different actors who have played Riggs:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of who plays Riggs in Lethal Weapon has been answered. Mel Gibson’s iconic portrayal of the character in the original trilogy, followed by Damon Wayans Jr.’s fresh take in the reboot, and finally Seann William Scott’s attempt to fill the role. While opinions may vary on the different actors who have played Riggs, one thing is certain – the character remains an integral part of the Lethal Weapon franchise.