Liam Neeson stars as Frank Drebin Jr in Naked Gun reboot, bringing the beloved comedy franchise back for a new generation starting August 1, with Akiva Shaffer directing and Pamela Anderson joining him for a fresh dose of outrageous antics. The reboot promises to capture the spirit of the original films, delivering sight gags, high-energy humor, and new twists as Neeson follows in the footsteps of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character.
Reviving Classic Comedy With New Faces
This Naked Gun revival casts Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin, Jr., stepping into the legacy of his on-screen father, originally portrayed by Leslie Nielsen. Neeson’s character not only mirrors Frank Drebin’s role on the police force but also aims to embody the unique comedic style that made the originals so memorable. Director Akiva Shaffer, known for his work on Saturday Night Live, helms the project and introduces a dynamic comedic pairing by casting Pamela Anderson alongside Neeson. According to Shaffer,
“so funny and smart and kind. She’s my new favorite person. She’s gonna really surprise people with how hilarious she is.”
—Akiva Shaffer, Director
The new installment pays tribute to Neeson’s famous thriller roles with a playful tagline:
“Only one man has the particular set of skills … to lead Police Squad and save the world.”
This nod cleverly weaves Neeson’s action star persona into the Naked Gun’s comedic tradition.
Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson’s On-Screen Chemistry
While Neeson is renowned for dramatic action roles, he admitted he initially questioned whether he could master this type of comedy, confiding,
“Whether I can carry it or not, I honestly don’t know.”
—Liam Neeson, Actor. However, he spoke effusively about Pamela Anderson, stating,
“With Pamela, first off, I’m madly in love with her. She’s just terrific to work with. I can’t compliment her enough, I’ll be honest with you. No huge ego. She just comes in to do the work. She’s funny and so easy to work with.”
—Liam Neeson, Actor
Anderson reciprocated the praise, describing Neeson as “the perfect gentleman” on set. She shared,
“sincerely looked after me — wrapped his coat around me when I was cold.”
—Pamela Anderson, Actress. Anderson further expressed her admiration, saying,
“He brings out the best in you… with respect, kindness and depth of experience. It was an absolute honor to work with him.”
—Pamela Anderson, Actress. She also revealed how enjoyable their collaboration was, noting,
“It was hard to keep a straight face in scenes together,”
—Pamela Anderson, Actress—evidence that their chemistry fueled plenty of laughs during production.
Recalling the Legacy of The Original ‘Naked Gun’ Films
The Naked Gun series began in 1988 with
“The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!”
and was followed by 1991’s
“The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear”
and 1994’s “Naked Gun 33 1/3.” According to Deadline, the trilogy was a box office heavyweight, grossing over $216 million and turning Leslie Nielsen’s Frank Drebin into a comedy icon. The new reboot seeks to honor and extend that legacy, bridging longtime fans and newcomers with its updated approach.
Alongside Neeson and Anderson, the ensemble cast includes Paul Walter Hauser of Cobra Kai, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, professional wrestler Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Yellowstone’s Danny Huston, promising fresh faces and additional comedic talent for today’s audience.
What the Reboot Means for Comedy Fans
With a blend of nostalgia and stellar new talent, the return of The Naked Gun offers a highly anticipated comedy event of the summer. By pairing Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin, Jr. with Pamela Anderson and assembling a diverse supporting cast, the reboot aspires to rejuvenate the slapstick formula for a new era. As August 1 approaches, anticipation is high to see how this reboot pays homage to the past while forging a new chapter for the franchise, with the hope of introducing the laughter of Frank Drebin and Police Squad to an ever-expanding audience.
