Danny Glover, Mel Gibson, and Gary Busey join Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan to discuss the significance of 'Lethal Weapon' as a buddy cop comedy. They delve into the unique chemistry between the lead actors, the casting process, and the impact of the film's success. They also explore the lunacy of Riggs and the Christmas element in the movie, discuss Mel Gibson's personal struggles, and talk about the casting choices and impact on the James Bond franchise.
Mel Gibson's personal controversies overshadow his performances, making it hard to separate his real-life persona from his characters.
The portrayal of the relationship between Murtaugh and his daughter in 'Lethal Weapon' is uncomfortable, with unrealistic dialogue and interactions.
Some of Riggs' dialogue and behavior in the movie, specifically related to his homophobic comments, haven't aged well and negatively impact his character portrayal.
Deep dives
Mel Gibson's troubled past and controversial statements have aged the worst
Mel Gibson's personal controversies and problematic statements have cast a shadow over his performances and make it difficult to separate his real-life persona from the characters he portrays.
The questionable father-daughter dynamics in the movie
The portrayal of the relationship between Murtaugh and his daughter in the movie is strange and uncomfortable, with peculiar dialogue and interactions that don't realistically reflect a typical father-daughter dynamic.
The portrayal of certain homophobic attitudes
Some of Riggs' dialogue and behavior in the movie, specifically related to his homophobic comments, haven't aged well and negatively impact the portrayal of his character.
The portrayal of the cell phone as a cutting-edge device
Although at the time it was novel, the depiction of the clunky portable cell phone as cutting-edge technology feels outdated and irrelevant in today's context.
Mel Gibson's missed opportunities in film roles
The podcast discusses how Mel Gibson turned down starring roles in The Fly and The Intouchables, as well as the opportunity to play James Bond in The Living Daylights. These missed opportunities were considered significant fork in the road moments in his career, potentially leading to a different trajectory for him as an actor.
The casting choices and alternative options for the film
The podcast explores the various casting choices and alternatives for the film. It mentions that Richard Donner ended up directing the film instead of Ridley Scott, who had tensions with Warner Brothers due to Blade Runner. Other potential casting options discussed include William Hurt for the role of Martin Riggs and Mimi Rogers as the doctor. The podcast also points out the significance of certain actors who appeared in the film, such as Grand L. Bush and Tom Atkins.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan are getting too old for this shit. They revisit the 1987 classic ‘Lethal Weapon,’ starring Danny Glover, Mel Gibson, and Gary Busey.