Because of Richard Donner’s sudden death, we’re unlikely to witness Lethal Weapon 5 or The Goonies 2. Donner was best known for directing the Lethal Weapons films and The Goonies. Among his many other notable credits are Superman and The Omen. Donner passed away this week at the age of 91, and considering his ambitions to return to directing in the near future, the news came as a shock to many fans.
Donner directed Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in four Lethal Weapon films over his career. He’d wanted to do a fifth instalment for years, and many fans were hoping to see it as well. Donner appeared to be gaining progress with the project in 2018, even announcing its official title as Lethal Finale. Lethal Weapon 5 was said to be under active development at the start of 2020, with Gibson and Glover both scheduled to return.
In December 2020, Donner personally released a substantial update on the project, revealing his plan to direct the film himself. Donner hoped that Lethal Weapon 5 would be his final film before retiring. It’s unknown how far along the intended sequel was in pre-production at the time of Donner’s death.
“This is the last of the series. It is both my honour and my responsibility to lay it to rest. It’s actually quite exciting… Hahaha! I assure you this is the last one “According to The Daily Telegraph, the filmmaker previously stated.
Meanwhile, without Donner’s involvement, the long-awaited sequel The Goonies 2 may be formally cancelled. Donner and the original cast members had indicated an interest in continuing the tale for many years, but they had a hard time convincing Warner Bros. Donner had suggested in 2010 that The Goonies 2 was a “certain thing.”
Many fans will be disappointed that Lethal Weapon 5 and The Goonies 2 have been cancelled. Nothing will ever be able to diminish Donner’s amazing legacy as a filmmaker, Richard Donner, may you rest in peace.
