A veteran cop and an unstable detective become partners who must put their differences aside in order to bring down a heroin-smuggling ring run by ex-Special Forces.
Acting
Gibson's unhinged grief meets Glover's exhausted patience — perfect storm.
Stunts
That barefoot desert showdown? Actually happened. No stunt doubles, just chaos.
Writing
Shane Black's script: $250K, launched a genre, invented snarky action dialogue.
Director
Richard Donner
Mel Gibson
Martin Riggs
Danny Glover
Roger Murtaugh
Gary Busey
Mr. Joshua
Mitchell Ryan
General Peter McAllister
Tom Atkins
Michael Hunsaker
Darlene Love
Trish Murtaugh
Traci Wolfe
Rianne Murtaugh
Jackie Swanson
Amanda Hunsaker
Damon Hines
Nick Murtaugh
Ebonie Smith
Carrie Murtaugh
Bill Kalmenson
Beat Cop
Lycia Naff
Dixie
Patrick Cameron
Cop #1
Don Gordon
Cop #2
Jimmie F. Skaggs
Drug Dealer #1
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Gibson was only cast because Donner couldn't afford bigger stars; Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone passed. The $15 million budget became the template for every 90s action film.
Riggs' breakdown in the trailer — cradling his gun, watching Looney Tunes — was revolutionary. Action heroes weren't supposed to be this broken. It opened the door for Die Hard's John McClane and every damaged hero since.
US
