FOX Renews Lethal Weapon, Casts Seann William Scott

FOX has renewed Lethal Weapon for season 3 but with Seann William Scott starring in a co-lead role opposite Daymon Wayans. Lethal Weapon has had quite a storied history in Hollywood, beginning with the blockbuster buddy comedy in 1987 starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as detectives Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, respectively. Directed by Richard Donner, the film's success led to a highly lucrative franchise that ran for four films over an 11-year period, adding the likes of co-stars Rene Russo, Joe Pesci, and Chris Rock along the way.

Despite Donner and the film's leads enjoying all that success together, the franchise went dormant for 18 years after Lethal Weapon IV released in 1998, until FOX revived Lethal Weapon as an hour-long crime comedy TV series in 2016. Keeping with the spirit of the films, the slightly crazy Riggs and grounded Murtaugh were back – but this time played by Clayne Crawford and Wayans – and the series ran for two seasons before the idea of a third season was suddenly thrown into limbo because of the shaky future of Crawford on the show. But, it seems FOX has worked out the situation.

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THR reports that FOX has renewed Lethal Weapon for season 3, but with Seann William Scott replacing Clayne Crawford as the co-lead character, following Crawford's reported firing last week. Scott will play a new character in the series that begins a partnership with Murtaugh; however, sources told THR that Scott may play Martin Riggs' brother to keep the Riggs' name.
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This news comes two weeks after it was revealed that Crawford had been reprimanded twice for his behavior on set. The show's production studio didn't go into details as to why they parted ways with Crawford, only saying in a statement Sunday: "Warner Bros. Television has decided not to renew Clayne Crawford’s contract for 'Lethal Weapon.'" Crawford previously addressed the issues on his Instagram account, saying there were on set issues “over working conditions that did not feel safe or conducive to good work under the leadership of a guest director and assistant director.” The actor also said he met with human resources and completed "studio-appointed" therapy.

While this news may disappoint his fans, there's no question that he's being replaced with a solid comedy actor. Not only was Scott hilarious in the American Pie series, but he also carved out a following as the lead in the cult indie sports comedies Goon and Goon: Last of the Enforcers. Scott has never had a problem establishing a winning presence on-screen, and he will no doubt easily slip into his first role as a series lead opposite the always entertaining Wayans, but audiences will determine that for themselves when Lethal Weapon returns for season 3. As for Crawford, it will be interesting to see how his career unfolds considering losing a slot on a hit series is a blow for any actor.