Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
The iconic buddy-cop duo returns — louder, funnier, and more dangerous than ever — in Richard Donner's explosive 1989 sequel.
Lethal Weapon 2 - Movie Information
- Original Title: Lethal Weapon 2
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Richard Donner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Afrikaans
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 7, 1989 (Canada), July 7, 1989 (United States - R), September 15, 1989 (United Kingdom - 15), September 28, 1989 (Germany - 16), August 2, 1989 (France - TP), August 10, 1989 (Australia - M), September 21, 1989 (Brazil - 14), September 28, 1989 (Italy - 18+), August 4, 1989 (Spain - 18), February 24, 1990 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Smrtonosno oružje 2 (RS), 轰天炮2 (CN)
- Production Companies: Silver Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Lethal Weapon 2 - Plot
Riggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.
Lethal Weapon 2 - Trailer
See Riggs and Murtaugh back in action in the official trailer below.
The magic is back!
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Lethal Weapon 2 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Donner
Main Cast
- Mel Gibson
- Danny Glover
- Joe Pesci
- Joss Ackland
- Derrick O'Connor
- Patsy Kensit
- Darlene Love
- Traci Wolfe
- Mark Rolston
- Steve Kahan
Writers
- Jeffrey Boam
- Shane Black
- Warren Murphy
Producers
- Richard Donner
- Joel Silver
Lethal Weapon 2 - FAQs
What is the famous 'diplomatic immunity' scene in Lethal Weapon 2?
The diplomatic immunity line became one of cinema's most quoted moments. Villain Arjen Rudd repeatedly invokes it to escape justice, until Murtaugh delivers the iconic comeback: "It's just been revoked." The exchange perfectly captures the film's tension between legal frustration and action-movie satisfaction.
Who are the main actors in Lethal Weapon 2?
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover return as the iconic duo Riggs and Murtaugh. Joe Pesci joins the fun as the fast-talking Leo Getz, while Joss Ackland plays the menacing villain Arjen Rudd. Patsy Kensit, Derrick O'Connor, Darlene Love, and Traci Wolfe round out the key cast.
What is Lethal Weapon 2 about?
LAPD detectives Riggs and Murtaugh find themselves up against South African diplomats running a drug operation and hiding behind diplomatic immunity. The film blends high-octane action with sharp buddy-cop humor, raising the emotional stakes considerably compared to the original with a storyline that gets genuinely personal for Riggs.
Does Lethal Weapon 2 have a darker tone than the first film?
Yes, noticeably so. While the film keeps the humor and camaraderie fans loved, it introduces a more personal and emotionally charged storyline for Riggs, including a romantic subplot with tragic consequences. The villains are also more politically charged, giving the film a grittier, more serious undercurrent beneath the action.
When was Lethal Weapon 2 released?
Lethal Weapon 2 opened in the United States and Canada on July 7, 1989. It rolled out internationally throughout the summer and autumn of 1989, reaching the United Kingdom in September, Australia in August, and France in August 1989.
What is the age rating for Lethal Weapon 2?
Lethal Weapon 2 is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require a parent or guardian. The rating reflects the film's strong language, violence, and adult themes throughout. International ratings vary — it received a 15 certificate in the UK and an 18+ rating in Italy.
Where can I watch Lethal Weapon 2 online?
You can rent or buy Lethal Weapon 2 on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. Availability may vary by region, so check your preferred platform for current pricing and options.
How much did Lethal Weapon 2 earn at the box office?
Made on a $25 million budget, Lethal Weapon 2 was a massive commercial success, grossing over $227 million worldwide. That made it one of the highest-earning films of 1989 and easily justified the franchise's continued expansion into two more sequels in the following decade.
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