On this day March 6 1987 Lethal Weapon premiered in theaters introducing audiences to one of the most iconic action duos of all time. Starring Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh the film blended high-octane action with humor and character-driven storytelling. Directed by Richard Donner and written by Shane Black Lethal Weapon set a new standard for the buddy cop genre.
The film was a major box office success and led to a franchise that spanned four sequels a television series and a lasting influence on action movies. The chemistry between Gibson and Glover combined with intense action sequences and sharp dialogue made Lethal Weapon a defining film of the 80s.
80s insight: Mel Gibson turned down the starring roles in The Fly and The Untouchables to do Lethal Weapon a decision that helped cement his status as an action star.