'Lethal Weapon' to return sans Mel Gibson

London, Jan 21 (ANI): Mel Gibson's 'Lethal Weapon' is all set to return - with a new cast after the actor refused to take part.

Gibson cemented his place in Hollywood with his role as a cop in the 1987 original, and he reprised the role for three sequels, reports the Daily Express.

Rumours of a fifth movie in the series emerged in 2008, but director Richard Donner revealed Gibson had declined to star in another installment.

Deadline.com has now reported that plans for 'Lethal Weapon 5' are still going ahead, with movie executives hiring screenwriter and former Los Angeles police officer Will Beall to create the plot for a new cast.

Sherlock Holmes producer Joel Silver is behind the reboot. (ANI)