The Naked Gun is coming back, and get this: Liam Neeson is leading the charge as Frank Drebin Jr. If you grew up on Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan genius or love your comedy with a healthy dose of ridiculousness, this reboot might be worth marking on your calendar. Set to hit theaters on August 1, 2025, the film aims to blend old-school absurdity with a modern twist.
The Naked Gun Reboot: A New Chapter in Classic Chaos
So, what exactly is this reboot all about? Well, it’s not a total rehash, but more of a continuation, a “semi-revival” as they’re calling it. It picks up the baton from the beloved originals from the late 1980s and early 1990s, the ones that hilariously skewered every cop movie trope and grossed over $470 million doing it.
This time around, Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., son of the legendary bumbling detective we all know. His partner, Ed (played by Paul Walter Hauser), is also keeping it in the family; he’s the son of George Kennedy’s original character. Yep, the torch of chaotic police work is being passed on.
Why Liam Neeson?
Now, let’s be honest: when you hear “Liam Neeson,” your brain probably goes straight to Taken or some gritty action flick, not goofy slapstick. Even Liam Neeson admits this isn’t exactly his usual lane. But that’s the charm. In interviews, he said he was craving something light and fun, something where he doesn’t have to scowl and punch people for two hours straight.
He’s leaning into the deadpan delivery that Leslie Nielsen perfected, and honestly, that could work way better than we think. He’s even admitted he’s a bit nervous, which, honestly, makes the whole thing more endearing. It’s refreshing to see a big-name actor genuinely excited (and a little scared) to try something new.
A Cast That Knows How to Play
Alongside Neeson and Hauser, we’ve got a stacked supporting cast. Pamela Anderson is stepping in as Beth, a femme fatale with a score to settle. Kevin Durand plays the main baddie, and other faces you might recognize include Danny Huston, CCH Pounder, WWE star Cody Rhodes, YouTube personality Liza Koshy, and Eddie Yu. It’s an eclectic bunch, but somehow it works.
Expect Laughs, Lunacy, and a Bit of Nostalgia
The teaser trailer, which dropped recently, leans right into the franchise’s signature ridiculousness. It kicks off with a dramatic hostage situation that quickly spirals into comedy gold when Neeson’s character shows up, dressed as a little girl. (Yes, really.) What follows is pure Naked Gun chaos, complete with slapstick moments, silly disguises, and over-the-top takedowns. It’s equal parts homage and update, and if you’re into that kind of humor, it looks promising.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Calling the Shots?
Akiva Schaffer (of Saturday Night Live and Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers fame) is directing, and the screenplay comes from Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, the same team behind Chip ‘n Dale. So, they know how to bring absurd comedy into a modern setting without losing the fun. Oh, and did we mention Seth MacFarlane is producing? That alone tells you this reboot won’t be short on punchlines.
Why It Matters
Hollywood reboots are everywhere, and most of them are forgettable. But this one feels a little different. It’s not just cashing in on nostalgia; it’s trying to reintroduce a particular, ridiculous style of comedy to an audience that may have missed it the first time around. And with Neeson on board (doing comedy of all things), there’s a real curiosity factor at play. If nothing else, it’s going to be interesting to watch a guy known for growling threats over the phone try to deliver a pie-in-the-face joke with a straight face.
