FOX‘s upcoming Lethal Weapon TV show has found it’s first leading man. The Hollywood Reporter today brings word that Damon Wayans Sr. has signed on to play the part of LAPD Detective Roger Murtaugh. Danny Glover famously played the part opposite Mel Gibson in all four big-screen Lethal Weapon installments.
Warner Bros. Pictures is producing the Lethal Weapon TV show, which will follow Martin Riggs, a former Navy SEAL-turned-police officer who moves from Texas to Los Angeles after the tragic loss of his wife and child. Attempting to begin a new life, Riggs winds up partnered with Roger Murtaugh. Murtaugh, who recently recovered from a heart attack, is on doctor’s orders to try his best to live a stress free life. Riggs’ devil may careless attitude towards life winds up clashing with Murtaugh’s hopes for some peace and quiet.
The Lethal Weapon TV show pilot will be written by Matt Miller (Forever, Chuck), who will executive produce via his Good Session production company. Lin Pictures’ Dan Lin (The LEGO Movie, Suicide Squad) and Jennifer Gwartz are executive producing.
Initial reports of the Lethal Weapon TV show suggested that original filmmakers (director Richard Donner and screenwriter Shane Black) will not be involved with the new show. Despite not being credited on the drama, however, they have reportedly blessed plans for the Lethal Weapon TV show reboot.
The original film hit theaters in 1987 and was followed by three sequels in 1989, 1992 and 1998.
Damon Wayans, who became a star after headlining the sketch comedy series In Living Color, has been relatively quiet the past few years. Back in 2006, Wayans created and starred in short lived comedy series The Underground.
