While Mel Gibson earned widespread acclaim and multiple Oscars for directing and starring in the historical epic Braveheart in the 1990s, his 1987 buddy-cop film Lethal Weapon offers a compelling glimpse of his broader talents. This underrated action-comedy, currently available to stream for free, reveals how Gibson combined humor and intensity to create an iconic character far different from his later, more serious roles.
Directed by Richard Donner, known for Superman, Lethal Weapon stars Gibson alongside Danny Glover as two unlikely LAPD partners forced to work together. The film gained positive reviews and achieved impressive box office success, grossing over $120 million from a $15 million budget. It helped breathe new life into the buddy-cop genre and featured groundbreaking stunts and action sequences that defined 1980s cinema.
Breaking the Mold: Martin Riggs and Gibson’s Memorable Performance
Before Lethal Weapon, Mel Gibson was mostly known for his intense portrayal of Max Rockatansky in the Mad Max series. However, his role as Martin Riggs in Lethal Weapon allowed him to showcase a mix of emotional depth and comedic timing. Riggs is portrayed as a grieving widower struggling with his past, a stark contrast to the antihero personas Gibson had embodied earlier.
The character’s blend of vulnerability and unpredictability gave Gibson one of his most underrated performances, adding layers that connected deeply with audiences. His on-screen chemistry with Danny Glover’s more grounded cop forged one of the most memorable buddy pairs in film history. This dynamic elevated the movie beyond a typical action film, blending humor with heartfelt moments.
The Lethal Weapon Franchise: Commercial Triumph and Lingering Underrated Status
Following the original’s triumph, Lethal Weapon expanded into a franchise with three sequels throughout the 1990s, all featuring Gibson and Glover reprising their roles under Richard Donner’s direction. Although each installment generally received favorable reviews and continued box office success, the fourth movie released at the decade’s end marked a noticeable decline in both critical reception and earnings.
This waning momentum partly explains why the franchise has faded from popular consciousness in the 21st century, despite retaining a loyal fanbase. While later films shifted focus more toward high-octane action than character development, the series remains an entertaining cornerstone of 1980s and 1990s action cinema.
The Franchise’s Revival and Streaming Availability Make It Time to Revisit Lethal Weapon
Interest in the Lethal Weapon series has been revived with reports of a fifth installment in development for the streaming platform HBO Max, with Mel Gibson set to return as lead and also direct the film. Danny Glover is expected to reprise his role as well, promising a continuation of the memorable partnership that made the original film so beloved.
With all four previous Lethal Weapon movies currently available to stream for free on Pluto TV in the United States, this moment presents the perfect opportunity for audiences to rediscover the intensity, humor, and chemistry that made the franchise a success. This revival signals renewed enthusiasm for Gibson’s work beyond Braveheart and highlights his enduring impact on the action genre.
“What do you think of Gibson’s work in Lethal Weapon? Are you excited for the franchise’s revival? Let us know in the comments!” —Unknown, Call to Audience
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Mel Gibson’s religion?
A. Gibson grew up in a traditional Catholic setting, which received criticism. In 2006, he told Diane Sawyer that harsh criticism of him, his family, and his faith due to The Passion felt like a violation of his human rights.
Q. What is Mel Gibson’s natural accent? Mel Gibson had an Australian accent because he spent much of his childhood and early adulthood in Australia.
A. Does Mel Gibson speak with an accent off-screen?
