Back in October, we reported that Fox is developing a new TV series based on the 1987 action classicLethal Weapon, which Warner Bros. Television is producing. The project was picked up with a cast contingency, meaning the pilot’s development would hinge on who was cast. Today,The Hollywood Reporterreveals thatDamon Wayans Sr.has been cast as Roger Murtaugh, lifting the cast contingency and clearing the way for Fox to formally issue apilotorder for the potential series.
The pilot will be based on theLethal Weaponmovie series, which starredMel Gibsonas the maverick Martin Riggs andDanny Gloveras his rule-abiding partner, Roger Murtaugh. The hour-long series is expected to follow the same general plot as the movies, but there will be a few differences with the maincharacters. Here’s the official description of the pilot below.
“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.”
The Martin Riggs role has not been cast yet, but now that the pilot has been given the green light, we may soon find out who will portray this outspoken cop. Matthew Miller, who served as an executive producer onChuckand most recently created the ABC drama Forever, wrote the pilot script and will executive produce through his Good Sessions company that is based at Warner Bros. Television. Lin Pictures’Dan Linand Jennifer Gwartz are also serving as executive producers. The site reports that none of the originalLethal Weaponfilmmakers or producers will be involved in theTV series, but they have reportedly given their blessing for the series to move forward.
TheLethal Weaponpilot joins a slew of other movie adaptations that are in the works. Fox is also developing aTV versionofThe Exorcist, although they recently passed on the pilot for a modern-dayUrban Cowboyseries. CBS is developing a TV version of the gritty crime dramaTraining Day, along with a new Nancy Drew series. NBC is developing a continuation ofCruel Intentions, and aTakenprequel series.Damon Wayans Sr.hasn’t acted since 2011, when he appeared on an episode ofHappy Endingsalongside his son,Damon Wayans Jr.. He previously starred in TV shows such as My Wife and Kids, Damon andIn Living Color.
