(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?
Does nobody see that Wyans is not an good actor? It is suitable for afternoon comedy, but not for a primetime series where character, mind and drama are in demand.
I will watch it to see what I think. But I am and was a HUGE FAN OF CLAYNE CRAWFORD. please reconsider to bringing him back.
I will no longer watch Fox or Warner Bros. I’m tired of big corporate fat cats ******** up good tv shows. I like others are not going to take it anymore!
I like Clayne Crawford so I will no longer have to DVR the program I love on a different network. I can watch it live once again . Goodbye Lethal Weapon.
I think it is a shame to let Clayne go. I will no longer be watching the show. Why try to fix something that wasn’t broken He played the part perfectly and was enjoyable to watch the play between the characters
If you replace Clayne Crawford I won’t be watching Lethal Weapon. The chemistry btw Wayans & Crawford is one of the best things about the show.
I think Clayne Crawford is perfect for the role. It is my favourite show and it wont be the same without him. Very disappointed!!!
u have ruined two of my favourite shows wont watch lethal without Crawford and u cancelled lucifer so not happy
Lethal Weapon is Clayne Crawford and D Wanes. Clayne has that part down no one can replace him. My husband and I watch this together and enjoy the show. Why Warner Bros would want to lose Clayne Crawford . He helps to make them money and the chemestry of Crawford and Wayne’s is what makes the show. We will not watch any more if you replace Crawford.That is a poor business strategie . There are many who won’t watch this anymore. Some people from Warner Bros. should actually watch the shows and they will see Clayne Crawford is the only… Read more »
I will no longer be watching Lethal Weapons. The way the two guys played off of each other really was what kept this show together. Too bad another show messed up.
As stated by many, Crawford made the show. He is the closest match to the original Martin Riggs character. My household will be looking for something else to watch in this time slot. Probably on another network!!
You are so right about Crawford being the closest match, he was absolutely brilliant. Immediately after we heard about Crawford living the show, my husband and I didn’t think twice: No Riggs/Crawford means No more LW for us.
Clayne was the reason to watch, Damon is replaceble, but not Clayne! He is such an good actor and the USA seems to don’ t know that.
Big mistake. Will miss Clayne Crawford. Will not be watching Lethal Weapon. He made
that show.
Won’t watch without Clayne Crawford.
I will watch long enough to see how they resolve Riggs’ storyline, but will be leaving with him. Thanks for ruining one of my favorite shows. I will wait for Crawford’s next series to fill the hour of my life I save by not watching this show anymore.
Yes it ruined my husband and I’s favourite show also. I thought I would watch the first episode like you to see how Rigg’s storyline would go but I’m still way too pissed. Won’t give that show a single minute of my precious time. Now waiting anxiously to see Clayne Crawford in another project.
I will only be watching the first new episode to see what happened to Riggs. Clay be made this show. He was the only reason that I watched it. A big mistake letting him go. Scott is a poor replacement!!!!!