FOX TV orders new series based on 'Lethal Weapon,' 'Exorcist'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two TV series based on big-screen hits will be part of Fox's new season.


The network said Tuesday it has ordered "Lethal Weapon" starring Damon Wayans Sr. and "The Exorcist" with Geena Davis for its 2016-17 schedule.

Wayans will play Roger Murtaugh, the part filled by Danny Glover in the 1987 "Lethal Weapon" and its sequels. Clayne Crawford will star as Martin Riggs, who was played by Mel Gibson in the buddy cop movies.

"The Exorcist" will revisit the 1973 movie's tale of a family facing with demonic possession. Besides the Oscar-winning Davis, the cast includes Alfonso Herrera and Ben Daniels.

Actress Geena Davis poses in the Press Room during the 2016 Writers Guild Awards at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Writers Guild of America, West)

Fox's announcement jumped the gun on next week's annual new-season presentations to advertisers in New York City.