From The Exorcist to Cruel Intentions, the recently-hatched Training Day to CBS’ Rush Hour, those with even a passing interest in seralized TV have found themselves awash with small screen reboots, modern retellings and high-profile spinoffs. The latest in line to receive such a treatment is cult action classic Lethal Weapon, which has now been ordered to pilot over at Fox.
Based on the 1987 original of the same name, which originally starred Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as a mismatched buddy copy duo, Fox’s reimagining has been billed as a total reset, and has now cast Damon Wayans Sr. in the role of world-weary LAPD detective, Roger Murtaugh. Casting for the role made famous by Gibson (Martin Riggs) is still underway.
Here’s the official logline:
When Texas cop and former Navy SEAL Martin Riggs suffers the loss of his wife and baby, he moves to Los Angeles to start anew. There, he gets partnered with LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh (Damon Wayans Sr.), who, having recently suffered a “minor” heart attack, must avoid any stress in his life. Wayans will take over the role of Roger. Gibson’s role has not yet been cast.
Matt Miller (Forever) penned a screenplay for the pilot episode and will remain attached as executive producer. Meanwhile, McG (Supernatural, Nikita) will direct. As for Damon Wayans Sr., the last major network series that the actor headlined was beloved sitcom My Wife and Kids.Â
Fox didn’t disclose a release window for the Lethal Weapon pilot at the time of writing, but expect Wayans Sr. to declare that he’s not too old for this shit after all sometime in the fall.
