I am a big fan of the Naked Gun movie series. The 1982 TV show Police Squad! sparked the creation of these purposefully stupid crime parodies. That show fully embraced the crazy humor of the comedy classic Airplane!. Leslie Nielsen contributed significantly to the films' success. He quickly demonstrated Lieutenant Frank Drebin's folly and charm. Now, around thirty years later, we are receiving a fourth film. The first trailer for it is not promising.
This new picture, titled The Naked Gun, is produced by Seth MacFarlane and directed by Akiva Schaffer. Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin, Jr. Paul Walter Hauser plays Frank's partner, Captain Ed Hocken Jr., the son of George Kennedy's original character. Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder, and Busta Rhymes co-star. Unfortunately, this charming cast cannot overcome the incredibly dull attempts at humor and a complete lack of charm. Yes, it is only a trailer, but it does not leave a good first impression. It makes me wonder if comedies are truly "back" as Paramount asserts.
During a presentation, Paramount President of International Theatrical Distribution Mark Viane declared, "Comedies are back!" He even appeared on stage in boxers and a skirt, just like Liam Neeson's Frank Drebin Jr. in the film. Liam Neeson personally shared an exclusive glimpse at the film via video message. He jokingly warned theater owners, "Remember to book my movie — or I am coming for you."
What We've Seen So Far of The Naked Gun 2025 and Its New CastLiam Neeson's Role and How the New Film Aims to Revive A Beloved Comedy Brand
Liam Neeson taking on a character that Leslie Nielsen made famous is a significant step. Nielsen's deadpan delivery contributed significantly to the original films' comedic success. He could say the most ludicrous things with a straight face, and it worked flawlessly. Neeson has already demonstrated his comedic abilities in films such as Ted 2, although his major focus is on serious action pictures. It will be interesting to see if he can capture Nielsen's unique sense of comedy. It's a tough act to follow. I'm intrigued about how his style will fit into such an insane universe.
Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Ed Hocken Jr., likewise has large shoes to fill. Captain Ed Hocken, played by George Kennedy, was a steady, albeit often frustrated, presence among Drebin's pandemonium. Hauser is a skilled actor, and I believe he can add his own perspective to the character. The cast also includes Pamela Anderson. She plays Beth, who is described as a femme fatale. Anderson recently discussed her role in The Naked Gun, stating that playing is a form of therapy for her. She told Harper's Bazaar that "I feel every film I do lately is healing various parts of me." Additionally, she said, "you need a big messy life to draw from if you want to make these kinds of things interesting." This perspective provides an unexpected dimension to her participation in a foolish farce.
The film will begin its global release on July 30. It will be released in domestic theaters on August 1. This means we'll soon find out whether this new version can deliver the chuckles we expect from a Naked Gun film. Some viewers have expressed varied emotions regarding the trailer. One reader called it "goddamn hilarious" and remarked on Liam Neeson's "very nice thighs." Other fans of the original thought the trailer was "off-putting." This demonstrates how difficult it is to bring back a comedy series that was so closely attached to its original actors and unique wit.
Reports suggest Liam Neeson declined the Boromir role in 'Lord of the Rings' due to concerns about playing another character who dies early in a franchise after his experience with Qui-Gon Jinn in 'Star Wars'.
Comparing the Humor Style Of The New Film To The Classic Originals
Can the new creative team and actors match the unforgettable absurdity of Leslie Nielsen's legacy?
The first Naked Gun films were notable for their wacky gags, visual puns, and brilliant wordplay. Leslie Nielsen's portrayal of Frank Drebin, a hopelessly dumb but well-meaning detective, contributed significantly to the humor. Despite the chaos, his deadpan expression was pure gold. Seth MacFarlane is producing, and Akiva Schaffer is directing the upcoming film. MacFarlane is well-known for his unique brand of humor, which can be found on sitcoms like Family Guy and in films like Ted. Schaffer directed films such as Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, which had its own distinct comedic flair. This trio brings a unique type of comic energy to the table. I wonder if it will have the same crazy humor that made the originals so popular.
The original films were likewise based on the Police Squad! television series. That show only aired six episodes, but it established the tone for the film's humor. It took amusing criminal fiction concepts and turned them totally ludicrous. The new film features a large cast, including several well-known stars. Will they be able to capture that magical feeling? Humor can be difficult to duplicate, especially when it is so dependent on specific performers. I hope they find a way to make it their own while retaining what made the originals so wonderful. It's a difficult line to tread between being innovative and remaining authentic to the past.
The fact that the new film is also titled The Naked Gun may create some misunderstanding. It implies a reboot rather than an immediate continuation. This suggests they may be attempting to convey the humor to a new generation of viewers. It is a risk, but it may also be a fresh start. Fans of the originals have strong emotions. We want the new film to be good. We hope it makes us giggle in the same way. But we also understand that nothing can completely replace Leslie Nielsen.
Pete Davidson is showing different acting sides this year with new horror film The Home and the action comedy The Pickup, starring alongside big names.
What the future holds for comedy films and the Naked Gun's role in them
Can this reboot prove that big laughs are back in theaters?
Paramount appears to be pushing the idea that comedy are making a huge comeback in movie cinemas. The Naked Gun is one of the films they're utilizing to back up this claim. In recent years, numerous comedies have underperformed in the box office. Streaming platforms have also influenced how people view hilarious Movies. A successful Naked Gun picture might demonstrate that major studio comedies still have a home on the big screen. It could also pave the way for more hilarious movies to be developed. I'm always delighted to see more comedies in cinemas.
The new film is released at a time when Hollywood is looking for familiar stories to revive. Reboots and sequels are commonplace. The Naked Gun has a built-in following. This gives it a head start over new humor ideas. But depending too heavily on previous success can be a trap. The movie must be funny on its own. It must discover fresh methods to make people laugh while remaining true to the essence of the original. I'm hopeful but apprehensive. It is difficult to reproduce that kind of magic.
Ultimately, the success of this new The Naked Gun film will be determined by its humor. Can Liam Neeson make us believe he's Frank Drebin Jr. Can the filmmaker and producers achieve that unique, funny feeling? We'll have to wait until August 1 to find out. I know I'll be watching with a mix of excitement and dread. I want it to be good. I hope it makes me laugh. And I hope it recaptures some of the old Naked Gun fun that we all remember.