Exclusive: Damon Wayans Talks Upcoming Show ‘Lethal Weapon’

The comedy and television legend is back taking on the hallowed role of Murtaugh in the television adaptation of the ‘Lethal Weapon’ film franchise.

Damon Wayan’s has been a staple in comedic television and films for decades. We got a chance to chat with him about his upcoming project Lethal Weapon, which is being adapted from the revered film franchise of the same name. The series plans to take the same concept that made Lethal Weapon the iconic cult classic it was, the characters, and put them in a place where their stories could be told to the fullest. We got a chance to talk about his upcoming role, how he avoided being a rip off of Danny Glover, what it was like working with his new co-star Chayne Crawford, and dig a little bit into the budding bromance that’s going on. If you ever wondered if he was funny off the screen, put those doubts aside, because yes, he is. He is very, very funny. Check out our whole interview below:

How did you prepare to take on the role?

Damon: First thing, I had to connect with that guy over there [Clayne Crawford] and it’s whatever happens in between that will be great. If in fact we truly connect. We did have fun shooting it. I don’t think we really had a discussion about what we’re really stepping into because I think we would’ve both been too overwhelmed. It was kind of like ‘You want to do this? Alright’.

Are you a big fan of the movies?

Damon: Oh yeah. I’ve seen all four and never understood why they didn’t do five. I think they were pretty good, especially with that Pesci character. They introduced a lot of good cool characters and storylines. The daughter being attracted to Rigg’s character was interesting. But, it makes me hopeful in this series because there are so many different places to go and because there’s a lot of action in the pilot but I don’t think you can do that on a weekly basis. It’s really going to be a character driven bromance. We’re probably going to have to tune up the comedy. We’ll probably shoot a lot of people, but we’re not going to do car chases, jumping out windows and explosions.

You guys did a great homage to the old movies and still made it your own.

Damon: I met three actors who came in for Riggs before I met Clayne. Clayne came in like a week before we shot. But, they were all doing bad impressions of Mel and it was different very varying degrees of Mel and they all had this image. As I’m reading with them, I’m like I don’t want that. I was feeling a little doubtful when they picked the guy. I said this is the guy? Then i got a call the next day that I’m going to do it with [Clayne].

It was interesting how you took it and added your own twist to it. It had it’s own music and feel to it.

Damon: McG, the director, is pretty awesome. He did all the Charlie’s Angels franchise. He prides himself on his music and discography. He think’s he’s the hippest guy in the room.

The Lethal Weapon characters are so interesting and layered that their story might be best fit for television. What do you think?

Damon: I’m looking forward to figuring out what that relationship is and especially comedically for me. To find out what’s the thing that defines our relationship so that we know what we’re doing, kind of what they did when they were trying to explain to the captain and they were talking over each other. Stuff like that defines the relationship. And do we not like each other? But the cause is greater than us. The cause is the investigations, solving the crimes. We definitely have different approaches and opinions to life but we can get through this.

The series premieres on September 21 on Fox.