Liam Neeson stars in The Naked Gun reboot trailer, bringing a fresh twist on the beloved franchise as Police Squad faces the threat of closure. In this new take, Neeson steps into the shoes of Frank Drebin Jr., the well-meaning but hilariously inept son of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character, struggling to save his team and their reputation.
Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. Attempts to Rescue a Floundering Police Squad
The trailer for the Paramount Pictures reboot quickly sets up the stakes: Police Squad is in jeopardy, and Neeson’s character has just one case to prove the team’s worth. CCH Pounder portrays Drebin Jr.’s commander, who lays out the gravity of the situation:
“They’re going to shut down Police Squad if you don’t solve this case.”
—CCH Pounder, Commander
In true Naked Gun style, the comedic tone is established through scenes of Drebin Jr. making one blunder after another. The trailer showcases slapstick moments, such as discharging his firearm to skip ahead in a bathroom queue and inquiring of a suspect why they
“served 20 years for ‘man’s laughter,’”
—Unknown (quote provided). His mishaps reach a peak when he drives off in a police car featuring “the most advanced technology,” neglecting that the charging cord remains attached, which triggers a catastrophic explosion on the street.
Pamela Anderson Embraces a Key Role in the Case
Pamela Anderson joins the reboot, paralleling Priscilla Presley’s classic role in the original. She approaches Drebin Jr. about her brother’s murder, stating,
“Over here, lieutenant. I think someone murdered my brother,”
—Pamela Anderson, Performer. While Anderson’s character brings an intelligent and commanding presence, the dynamic with Drebin Jr. is filled with physical comedy, including a moment where he asks her to take a seat and she instead walks off carrying his chair.
The trailer tips its hat to long-time fans through nods to Leslie Nielsen’s legendary portrayal. In one scene, Drebin Jr. greets a photo of his father at the Police Squad cop headquarters, and the camera reveals a whole line of officers paying tribute to their own legendary fathers. Paul Walter Hauser debuts as Drebin Jr.’s right-hand man and the son of George Kennedy’s Captain Ed Hocken, while Moses Jones appears as the latest descendant of O.J. Simpson’s Detective Nordberg. As their antics unfold, the future of Police Squad looks even more precarious—if the team can’t rise to the occasion, the department is at risk of being replaced by the sort of seasonal pop-up business
“all fallow enterprises seem to go these days: turning into a Spirit Halloween.”
Production Background and Additional Cast Members
The road to this Naked Gun reboot stretches back over a decade. Initially, Ed Helms of The Office fame was set to star when the project began in 2013. In 2021, comedy powerhouse Seth MacFarlane joined as producer, and Akiva Schaffer from The Lonely Island came on board to direct. The script is written by Schaffer alongside Dan Gregor, known for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Doolittle, and Doug Mand, who contributed to How I Met Your Mother.
The ensemble cast features Danny Huston, Kevin Durand, Eddie Yu, WWE professional Cody Rhodes, and social media personality Liza Koshy, rounding out a comedic team poised for the film’s signature chaos. Entertainment Weekly highlights Anderson’s career resurgence, particularly following her acclaimed performance in 2024’s The Last Showgirl. When asked about her preparation for the comedic shift required by The Naked Gun, Anderson described it as an equally cathartic journey:
“I worked hard on the role, another cathartic experience,”
—Pamela Anderson, Golden Globe nominee. She added,
“Every film, it seems, tackles a deep-seated issue that needs to be expressed and surfaced in ways other than anything else.”
—Pamela Anderson, Golden Globe nominee
On-Set Chemistry and Film Release
Anderson also praised Neeson, highlighting their unique working relationship and the power he brings to the project:
“a legend and deserving of the title.”
—Pamela Anderson, Golden Globe nominee. She called him mysterious, inspiring, and credited their interaction as “electric in a way,” which brings an added spark to their on-screen partnership.
The official logline for the film captures the essence of the reboot’s promise:
“Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world!”
—The Naked Gun official logline. With cast members like George Kennedy, Paul Walter Hauser, Moses Jones, and more involved, the project aims to blend nostalgia with a modern comedic twist.
Liam Neeson stars in The Naked Gun reboot trailer with excitement building as Police Squad faces its greatest test. The film is set to arrive in theaters on August 1, 2025, where audiences will find out whether Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. can restore his department’s dignity—or if Police Squad will see its legacy reduced to a running joke.
