Fox’s ‘Lethal Weapon’ Finds Its Mel Gibson

Fox’s Lethal Weapon reboot has found its Mel Gibson.

Rectify and 24 alum Clayne Crawford has been tapped to star opposite Damon Wayans Sr. in the drama pilot, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Based on the feature film of the same name, the pilot kicks off when Texas cop and former Navy SEAL Martin Riggs (Crawford taking on the role played by Gibson in the feature film franchise) 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.

Fox’s reboot hails from Matt Miller (Chuck, Forever), who will executive produce via his Warner Bros. Television-based Good Session banner. Lin Pictures’ Dan Lin (The Lego Movie) and Jennifer Gwartz also will exec produce. Lethal Weapon reunites Miller with Lin, who teamed for last year’s ABC drama Forever, which was canceled after one season. McG will direct the pilot, which marks a reunion for the helmer and Miller after the duo previously teamed on NBC’s Chuck.

Crawford, repped by APA, joins a cast that also includes Jordana Brewster, Golden Brooks and Kevin Rahm. His credits include Legendary’s Spectral as well as FX’s Justified.