The Mel Gibson lethal weapon reboot launched as a television series on Fox in 2016, building on the popular buddy cop movie franchise originally starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. This reboot brought an energetic new cast and aimed to revive the beloved dynamic between mismatched partners Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs. While the first season attracted viewers and buzz, behind-the-scenes tensions between lead actors Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans escalated throughout the second season, ultimately causing severe disruptions that led to the show’s cancellation after its third season.
Clayne Crawford portrayed the reckless, risk-taking Riggs, while Damon Wayans stepped into the role of the cautious family man Murtaugh. Though their on-screen chemistry initially appeared strong, their off-screen relationship deteriorated to the point where they could no longer film scenes together. This fallout deeply affected the production schedule, necessitating script rewrites and delays, and culminating in Crawford’s dismissal before the third season. The shakeup shattered the foundation of the series, signaling its inevitable downfall.
Strong First Season Established New Directions for the Franchise
The television adaptation opened with a pilot episode that captured the classic tension and partnership between Riggs and Murtaugh in an updated setting. In the episode, Riggs’s willingness to sacrifice himself culminated in a last-minute save by Murtaugh, a moment of quick thinking that preserved their teamwork and maintained the story’s momentum.
“I can’t believe you shot me!”
Riggs exclaimed.
“Hell, I can’t believe it took me so long,”
Murtaugh replied, highlighting their witty banter which helped keep viewers engaged despite the procedural format.
This premiere drew nearly 8 million viewers, confirming significant interest from audiences in seeing the franchise reimagined for TV. The show successfully reflected the essence of the original films, with Wayans embodying Murtaugh’s protective, family-oriented nature, and Crawford portraying Riggs’s emotional recklessness akin to Gibson’s iconic performance. However, viewership fell substantially by the third season finale, which drew just over 3 million viewers, mirroring the turmoil engulfing the production.
When Crawford was removed, the show lost a central character essential to the franchise’s appeal. Riggs’s death on-screen led to the introduction of a new character, ex-CIA operative Wesley Cole, played by Seann William Scott. This recasting was widely publicized and accompanied by conflicting stories about what led to the breakdown between the leads, confirming that the show’s troubles were rooted not in creative direction but in personal conflicts that proved insurmountable.
Clayne Crawford’s Behavior Prompted Major Controversy on Set
A June 2018 investigation by Variety highlighted two incidents that contributed heavily to Crawford’s firing. The first involved a scene at a public pool where numerous retakes were needed due to background noise. Frustrated, Crawford’s angry outburst aimed at quieting disruptive noises was inadvertently directed at children, and the recorded tirade went viral, painting an image of volatility.
The second incident, involving Damon Wayans, happened on the set of the twentieth episode of Season 2 during a stunt sequence. An explosion, a hallmark of the franchise’s action scenes, unexpectedly propelled debris that hit Wayans’s head, causing a significant injury. The following day, a vehement argument between Wayans and Crawford ensued, captured on video and filled with heated insults that stalled production. The dispute was so severe that the studio brought in Pinkerton security guards to prevent further altercations. These confrontations underscored an environment fraught with tension, portrayed as largely stemming from Crawford’s aggressive conduct on set.
Before his dismissal, Crawford made a public statement on Instagram, explaining his outburst at the pool set was a reaction to unsafe working conditions under certain directors, stating:
“I reacted with anger over working conditions that did not feel safe or conducive to good work under the leadership of a guest director and assistant director, who, in turn, were angry at my response.”
He accepted responsibility for the stunt accident that injured Wayans, though evidence suggested he had not directed recklessly. Despite this, the damage to working relationships was irreversible, leading to his exit from the series in May 2018. Wayans responded publicly through social media, expressing frustration with Crawford’s behavior following the firing.
Damon Wayans’ Frustration Reflected by His Public Statements and Departure Plans
Damon Wayans’s bitterness toward Crawford was evident in a social media post featuring a sticker purportedly found on the set reading,
“Clayne Crawford is an emotional terrorist.”
Though production insiders denied the authenticity of the sticker and some additional claims by Wayans, the hostility between the actors was undeniable. Wayans even alleged that Crawford caused injury to another actor, though this could not be independently confirmed.
Despite the animosity, contractual and financial reasons motivated Warner Bros. to attempt salvaging the show by casting new actors rather than ending the series prematurely. However, Wayans announced during the third season that he intended to leave the show if a fourth season were produced, citing health concerns and a desire to prioritize family life. His departure would have necessitated another major casting change, further destabilizing the series.
Production was further disrupted in Season 3 when approximately a quarter of the regular crew, many close to Crawford, were dismissed. In interviews, Crawford shared that Wayans’s discontent with the series was present from the beginning and went largely ignored by showrunners, while Crawford himself faced disciplinary actions for his behavior.
Behind-the-Scenes Conflicts Undermined the Core Chemistry of Lethal Weapon
The rift between the lead actors mirrored the break in the show’s key dynamic that had made the original films and early episodes work—the genuine partnership between Riggs and Murtaugh. Off-camera, their feud poisoned the production atmosphere and fractured the main relationship the series depended on. As a result, the reboot became overshadowed by the volatile environment behind the scenes, affecting both quality and continuity.
The behind-the-scenes strife was marked by mounting tension, frequent disruptions, and a public airing of grievances that no reconciliation could resolve. What was intended as a revival of a beloved franchise instead became a cautionary tale of how personal conflicts can derail even well-funded, high-profile projects.
Currently, Lethal Weapon is unavailable for streaming, and with the end of its third season and no further renewals announced, the show’s troubled reboot remains a stark example of how turmoil behind the camera can extinguish audience enthusiasm and the prospects for a lasting series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Mel Gibson’s religion?
A. Gibson faced criticism for his strict Catholic background. In 2006, he told Diane Sawyer he felt his “human rights were violated” due to harsh attacks on him, his family, and his faith, which started after The Passion.
