From “I Will Find You” to “Oops, I Did It Again”
Liam Neeson, the man who single-handedly turned phone threats into an art form, is now donning a badge and a bewildered expression as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. in The Naked Gun reboot. Set to release on August 1, 2025, this film attempts to resurrect the beloved slapstick series, proving that even in the age of AI and deepfakes, there’s still room for banana peels and double entendres.
Directed by Akiva Schaffer of The Lonely Island fame and produced by Seth MacFarlane, the film promises a blend of old-school gags and modern mischief. Whether this fusion will delight or dismay remains to be seen, I’m guessing the later.
Table of Contents
Cast: A Motley Crew of Mayhem
- Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr.: Taking over from Leslie Nielsen, Neeson steps into the role of the oblivious detective, bringing with him a particular set of skills, mostly involving pratfalls and perplexed stares.
- Pamela Anderson as Beth: A femme fatale with a penchant for chaos, Anderson’s character seeks Drebin’s help after her brother’s mysterious demise. Their on-screen chemistry has been described as “professionally romantic,” which is Hollywood code for “we didn’t kill each other on set” .
- Paul Walter Hauser as Capt. Ed Hocken Jr.: Following in his father’s footsteps, Hocken Jr. provides a grounded counterpoint to Drebin’s antics.
- Supporting Cast: The film boasts an eclectic mix, including CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes, Busta Rhymes, and Eddy Yu. It’s like someone spun a roulette wheel labeled “actors” and cast whoever it landed on.
Plot: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Banana Peel
While specific plot details for The Naked Gun are under wraps, we know that Drebin Jr. is attempting to live up to his father’s legacy, which involves a lot of accidental heroism and unintentional innuendos. Expect a series of loosely connected misadventures, including a bank heist thwarted by Drebin in a schoolgirl disguise, a scene that has already raised eyebrows and questions about Neeson’s wardrobe choices .
The film aims to pay homage to the original naked gun trilogy while introducing new elements to appeal to contemporary audiences. Whether this balance will be struck or result in comedic whiplash is anyone’s guess.
Production: A Decade in the Making
The journey to this reboot has been as convoluted as a Drebin investigation:
- 2013: Paramount announces a reboot with Ed Helms attached.
- 2015: David Zucker, the original director, expresses skepticism about the project’s direction.
- 2021: Seth MacFarlane joins as producer, bringing renewed interest and a new script.
- 2022: Akiva Schaffer is confirmed as director, with Neeson officially cast.
- 2024: Filming takes place in Atlanta, wrapping up in June.
It’s been a long road, but the team seems confident that the final product will honor the original while standing on its own.
Teaser Trailer: A Glimpse into the Absurd
Released at CinemaCon, The Naked Gun teaser trailer features a scene where a little girl confronts armed criminals, only to reveal herself as Drebin in disguise. It’s a moment that encapsulates the film’s commitment to absurdity and Neeson’s willingness to embrace the ridiculous.
Final Thoughts: A Shot in the Dark or a Bullseye?
Rebooting a beloved franchise is always a risky move, especially one known for its unique brand of humour. With a mix of seasoned actors and fresh faces, The Naked Gun (2025) aims to recapture the magic of the originals while introducing it to a new generation.
Whether it will succeed or end up as another forgotten attempt remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: seeing Liam Neeson in a plaid mini-skirt is something you can’t un-see.
The Naked Gun
Frank Drebin Jr.
Beth
Captain Ed
