Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

Last updated:
December 14, 2025

Lethal Weapon 3 is the third entry in the iconic buddy-cop franchise and leans harder into action-comedy than its predecessors. Released in 1992 and directed by Richard Donner, the film raises the stakes with heavier weapons, internal police corruption, and a new partner dynamic that subtly reshapes the series.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Opening Chaos: The Bomb That Goes Very Wrong

The movie opens with Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) attempting to defuse a bomb in a parking garage. Things go spectacularly wrong when Riggs ignores protocol, resulting in a massive explosion that destroys the building. No civilians are hurt, but the destruction is undeniable. As punishment, the duo are demoted from homicide to uniform patrol, setting up both the film’s humor and its central conflict with authority.

Street-Level Crime and Illegal Firearms

While on patrol, Riggs and Murtaugh stumble upon a robbery involving military-grade armor-piercing bullets, known as “cop killers.” These bullets can pierce police body armor, instantly escalating the danger. The investigation leads them to a criminal network trafficking confiscated police weapons back onto the streets.

Enter Lorna Cole

The investigation brings in Lorna Cole (Rene Russo), an Internal Affairs officer assigned to monitor the case. She is competent, assertive, and immediately clashes with Riggs—both professionally and romantically. Unlike previous love interests, Lorna is Riggs’ equal in combat and attitude, adding a new energy to the franchise.

The Real Villain: Corruption in Uniform

The trail leads to Jack Travis (Stuart Wilson), a former LAPD lieutenant who steals confiscated weapons and sells them to criminals. Travis is charming, ruthless, and deeply familiar with police procedures, making him especially dangerous. His access to weapons and knowledge of law enforcement gives him a terrifying edge.

Personal Stakes Rise

As Riggs and Murtaugh close in, Travis begins targeting them directly. Murtaugh’s family is threatened, and Lorna becomes a marked woman. The investigation shifts from a professional duty to a deeply personal mission, reinforcing the franchise’s core theme: family—chosen and biological—must be protected at all costs.

Movie Ending

The climax takes place at a construction site for a housing project, where Travis plans a major arms deal. Riggs and Lorna infiltrate the area undercover, but the situation quickly explodes into open combat. Travis escapes after killing several people, including police officers, confirming just how far he’s willing to go.

The final confrontation occurs at the same construction site after hours. Travis takes hostages and uses the environment to his advantage, taunting Riggs and Murtaugh with his insider knowledge. Riggs engages Travis in a brutal, hand-to-hand fight that emphasizes raw physicality over flashy action. The fight ends when Riggs throws Travis through a glass window, causing him to fall several stories to his death.

With Travis dead, the illegal weapons operation is dismantled. Riggs and Murtaugh are fully reinstated to their former positions, their reckless methods begrudgingly validated. The film closes on a more emotional note: Riggs begins to open himself up to the idea of stability with Lorna, while Murtaugh reaffirms his commitment to retirement—again, though we know better by now.

The ending reinforces the franchise’s formula: justice is served, chaos is survived, and the partnership endures.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Lethal Weapon 3 does not feature any post-credits or mid-credits scenes. Once the credits roll, the story is fully concluded.

Type of Movie

Lethal Weapon 3 is an action-comedy buddy cop film that blends explosive set pieces with sharp banter and character-driven humor. It balances police procedural elements with blockbuster spectacle.

Cast

Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs
Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh
Rene Russo as Lorna Cole
Stuart Wilson as Jack Travis
Joe Pesci as Leo Getz
Steve Kahan as Captain Murphy
Darlene Love as Trish Murtaugh

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Michael Kamen, whose work is inseparable from the Lethal Weapon franchise. His music blends orchestral tension with jazz-inflected themes, underscoring both the action and the emotional bond between the leads.

Filming Locations

Los Angeles, California – Primary filming location
Downtown LA streets – Used for chase scenes and patrol sequences
Construction sites – Central to the film’s climax and thematic focus on rebuilding versus destruction

The urban setting reinforces the movie’s emphasis on street-level danger and institutional corruption, grounding the action in a recognizable reality.

Awards and Nominations

While not a major awards contender, the film was commercially successful and praised for:

Action choreography
On-screen chemistry between leads
Rene Russo’s performance, which received positive critical attention

Behind the Scenes Insights

Rene Russo trained extensively in martial arts to ensure Lorna Cole felt like a believable equal to Riggs.
Richard Donner encouraged improvisation, leading to many of Joe Pesci’s funniest moments.
The opening explosion was one of the largest practical effects ever staged at the time.
Mel Gibson performed many of his own stunts, increasing the physical intensity of the action scenes.

Inspirations and References

Influenced by 1980s and early 1990s concerns about police corruption and illegal arms trafficking
Continues the tradition of classic buddy-cop films like 48 Hrs. (1982)
Expands on character arcs established in Lethal Weapon (1987) and Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several deleted scenes involving extended interactions between Riggs and Lorna were cut to maintain pacing.
An alternate ending reportedly placed more emphasis on Murtaugh’s retirement, but was removed to preserve continuity for future sequels.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The parking garage explosion in the opening sequence
Riggs and Lorna’s first fight, which doubles as flirtation
The final brutal hand-to-hand fight with Travis

Iconic Quotes

“I’m too old for this.” – Roger Murtaugh
“Diplomatic immunity!” – Jack Travis, chillingly ironic given his fate
“You want to see crazy? I’ll show you crazy.” – Martin Riggs

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The phrase “Diplomatic Immunity” returns as a dark callback to Lethal Weapon 2.
Leo Getz’s rapid-fire dialogue includes subtle references to previous cases.
Murtaugh’s retirement countdown is again teased, knowingly poking fun at the series itself.

Trivia

This was Rene Russo’s first major action role.
The film grossed over $320 million worldwide.
Joe Pesci’s role was expanded due to positive audience reaction in the previous film.
The movie marked a tonal shift toward more comedy-heavy storytelling.

Why Watch?

If you enjoy sharp dialogue, explosive action, and one of cinema’s most enduring partnerships, Lethal Weapon 3 delivers exactly what it promises. It’s louder, funnier, and more polished than its predecessors while still respecting its emotional core.

Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

Detailed Summary