Revisiting 2020's uncertainties: 'Lethal Weapon 5' & the iconic duo's comeback

There’s something about old wine and nostalgic movie franchises; they both get finer with age. Well, mostly. Let’s hop on a time machine and head to 2020 when "Lethal Weapon 5" was the word on everyone’s lips.

The return of the iconic duo

Who could forget the thrilling moments when the world discovered that both Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs would make a return? Yep, our beloved Danny Glover and the ever-controversial Mel Gibson, ready to take on the big screen once again. As if that wasn’t enough, director Richard Donner, the man behind all four previous 'Lethal Weapon' installments, was on board as well.

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Producer Dan Lin made it clear, "The original cast is coming back. Mel and Danny are ready to go, so it's about the script." But the big question on everyone's mind was - would any other faces from the past, like the unforgettable Joe Pesci or Chris Rock, grace us with their presence?

Plot, controversies, & the unknown journey

Remember the laughter when reflecting on Murtaugh’s catchphrase, "I'm too old for this shit"? Oh, the irony! But the plot? That remained a tantalizing mystery. There were murmurs about a storyline close to director Richard Donner's heart, a potential dark yet emotional end.

Then there was Mel Gibson. Notorious for accusations of misogyny, anti-Semitism, and homophobia. Would "Lethal Weapon 5" be the film to restore or tarnish his image further? The 90s critics had already been harsh, with the LA Times pinpointing Murtagh as a 'sexless character from a sitcom'. The challenge for "Lethal Weapon 5"? To win hearts, while navigating the tricky waters of evolving cinema.

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Donner once hinted at the title - Lethal Finale. But back in 2020, so much was uncertain. Release dates, trailers, even the green light from Warner Bros seemed like distant dreams.

2023: A look back and forward

It’s 2023, and as we stroll down this memory lane, we can't help but marvel at the journey. From nostalgic joy, high hopes, speculations to the ever-present controversies, "Lethal Weapon 5" has been a rollercoaster.

Whether you’re waiting eagerly for more of that iconic buddy-cop action or simply reminiscing about the old days, one thing's for sure - the legacy of "Lethal Weapon" continues to be a force to reckon with.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.