Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about lethal weapon.
What is Lethal Weapon?
Lethal Weapon is an American action-comedy film franchise built around a mismatched LAPD detective partnership. It comprises four theatrical movies released between 1987 and 1998, along with a short-lived television series in the mid-1990s.
Who are the two central characters?
Martin Riggs is a reckless, emotionally intense young cop, while Roger Murtaugh is a cautious, family-driven veteran detective nearing retirement. Their clashing temperaments create the buddy-cop dynamic that anchors every installment.
Which actors play Riggs and Murtaugh?
Mel Gibson portrays Riggs and Danny Glover plays Murtaugh across all four films. The pair's natural on-screen rapport became one of the franchise's most recognized qualities.
Who directed and wrote the original 1987 film?
Richard Donner directed the first Lethal Weapon, while Shane Black penned the screenplay. The collaboration set the template for the franchise's blend of dark humor and kinetic action.
How many Lethal Weapon movies exist?
There are four theatrical entries: Lethal Weapon (1987), Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), Lethal Weapon 3 (1992), and Lethal Weapon 4 (1998). A fifth film has been rumored for years but has never entered full production.
What is the basic plot of the first movie?
A suicidal cop is paired with a by-the-book detective, and the two must expose a corrupt police captain working with dangerous criminals. The story uses their bickering friendship as a vehicle for escalating set pieces and darkly comic dialogue.
Is there a Lethal Weapon TV series?
Yes, an ABC series ran from 1993 to 1995, starring Jeanne Tripplehorn and Joe Pantoliano as a new LAPD partner team. It lasted three seasons and 66 episodes before being cancelled.
What is one of the most iconic scenes in the franchise?
The opening of the first film, in which Riggs takes a bullet to the chest, then casually flicks the round back at the shooter, instantly defined the series' tone of irreverent, high-stakes violence. It became one of the most quoted moments in 1980s action cinema.
Where should a newcomer start watching?
The 1987 original is the natural entry point since it introduces the characters, their chemistry, and the world the sequels expand on. Following the films in release order (1 through 4) gives the most coherent viewing experience.
Why is Lethal Weapon considered a cultural landmark?
The franchise reshaped the buddy-cop action genre by pairing sharp, profane banter with genuinely perilous set pieces in the late 1980s. Its mix of dark comedy and genuine emotional stakes influenced a long line of subsequent cop films and TV shows.