(Brian Bowen Smith / FOX)
As previously reported, Clayne Crawford, who starred as Martin Riggs on the first two seasons of the Lethal Weapon TV show on FOX, was let go from the production. Subsequently, Lethal Weapon was renewed for season three, and a new actor, Seann William Scott, has been tapped to star in a new role opposite Damon Wayans’ Roger Murtaugh. During the Upfronts, a FOX exec addressed the recent firing of one of the show’s two leads.
A FOX TV series adaptation of the buddy-cop film franchise, Lethal Weapon also stars Keesha Sharp, Kevin Rahm, Jordana Brewster, Johnathan Fernandez, Dante Brown, Chandler Kinney, and Michelle Mitchenor. FOX Chair and CEO Dana Walden made it clear that firing Crawford wasn’t the network’s call.
On Crawford’s ouster and bringing back Lethal Weapon with a new co-star, Scott, playing a new character, Fox chairman Dana Walden said, “It wasn’t our choice. Our partners at Warner Bros. came to us and said that they could not deliver the show as it was.”
She noted that it was a difficult decision on both the part of the studio and the network. After the studio presented Fox with Scott as a replacement, the network signed off on a third season.
“I think we made the right choice,” she said, noting that Scott’s addition brings “good new dynamic to the show with a lot of its original dynamic intact.”
Newman added that “90 percent of the cast is coming back,” including the Murtaugh family, which is an important focal point of the show.
“We will be making sure to let the audience know there is something new” on the series this fall, he added regarding Fox’s marketing plans for Season 3 and noted that another cop drama, ABC’s NYPD Blue, had to replace one of its two leads after the first season after David Caruso’s exit, but went on to have a long and successful run.
What do you think? Are you a Clayne Crawford fan? Will you check out the third season of the Lethal Weapon TV series, to see how you like the new actor and character?
The whole show will be ruined. We love him and as much as I like the others it won’t be the same. I can’t stand the replacement they picked so no I will not be watching. I just went from favorite to the trash.
I love Clayne Crawford! He was my favorite character in the show! The show won’t be the same without him!! I don’t think I will be watching next season.
I love Clayne Crawford!! He was my favorite character of the whole show!! It won’t be the same without him!!
I can’t believe that Clyde Crawford is being fired. He is a big reason I watch this show. Very disappointed?
No reason for me to watch this without Clayne, the chemistry is gone
Clayton Crawford IS lethal weapon…no reason to watch without him!
I have never heard of Clayne Crawford before, however, I fell in love with his talent from first view. I also do not known what happened . It must have been a doozie. I must say I am disappointed, but I will give the series a chance.
The show won’t be the same without Riggs. They should’ve just canceled Lethal Weapon and kept Lucifer. LUCIFER FOREVER!!!!
I love Clayne Crawford!! Bye bye Lethal Weapon.
I love Clayne Crawford!!! No I will not watch Lethal Weapon!!!
I will not be watching season 3 without Clayne Crawford. He is what made me watch the series in the first place. Sean William Scott is a great actor, but it won’t be the same.
They acted so well together! Clayne Crawford, I wish you were staying. I guess your apology wasn’t enough! I hope to see you in something else, SOON. I will try Lethal Weapon but Clayne Crawford will always be a ghost…
What reason was he fired? I have no clue! Just very disappointed
I don’t think I will watch….i loved him in Rectify and was pumped to see him again and now I like his version of Riggs better than Mel Gibson. It’s the chemistry I will miss
will not be watching if clayne Crawford is not there, he was the perfect fit for martin riggs and that is half of the show.
We won’t be watching it without Claynr Crawford. It was our favorite show but won’t be the same.