Director Akiva Schaffer confirmed that a brief four-minute video featuring Liam Neeson alongside Ricky Gervais was the key factor convincing him to lead the new The Naked Gun reboot. This decision came after the project gained momentum earlier in 2025, especially upon learning that Neeson would star as Frank Dreblin Jr.
The involvement of Liam Neeson in the reboot sparked renewed interest, shifting Schaffer’s initial skepticism toward enthusiasm. The short clip, part of Ricky Gervais’ Life’s Too Short series, displayed Neeson in a deadpan comedic role that resonated with the director and ultimately secured his commitment to the film.
Initial Hesitation Over the Reboot and How Neeson Changed Minds
Akiva Schaffer initially approached the idea of remaking The Naked Gun with hesitation, uncertain if the reboot was appropriate in today’s cinematic landscape. The project only gained serious traction when Schaffer was informed that Liam Neeson would be cast as the lead, a revelation that immediately altered his perspective.
Speaking on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, Schaffer revealed how one particular segment from Ricky Gervais’ Life’s Too Short was pivotal. The clip showed Neeson delivering humor with a serious demeanor, effortlessly parodying his own action-hero persona.
“It’s all in that clip. He’s playing Liam Neeson in it, but it’s clearly a caricature. That’s an amalgamation of every action movie he’s made for the last 10 years, and he’s playing it so serious and so humorless and saying crazy sh*t.” —Akiva Schaffer, Director
According to Schaffer, the clip showcased how Neeson embodied a caricature of himself, blending the stern gravitas from his action roles with unexpected comedic timing. This portrayal made Schaffer realize Neeson’s untapped potential in comedy, a genre the actor had rarely explored.
“That’s also why when they said Liam Neeson, I went, ‘Oh,’ because when you see that clip, you’re like, what an amazing untapped resource. The leading-man, old-school gravitas — that doesn’t exist anymore.” —Akiva Schaffer, Director
After repeatedly watching the memorable clip, Schaffer was convinced that Neeson’s expressions and understated humor would translate well into the reboot’s comedic tone. The director embraced the simpler styled jokes reminiscent of the original Naked Gun films.
How Liam Neeson’s Performance in Life’s Too Short Paved the Way for the Reboot
Within the four-minute segment, Neeson plays an exaggerated version of himself, oblivious to taboo subjects like Schindler’s List and AIDS that should not be joked about. This rigid, serious delivery combined with absurd lines highlighted his unique comedic skills.
Schaffer noted that Neeson’s genuine seriousness and dedication in his usual action roles ironically made this parody both authentic and amusing. The naive innocence visible in Neeson’s demeanor convinced the director that reviving The Naked Gun with him as Frank Dreblin Jr. was a promising direction.
Since its release, the reboot has received positive attention, with many praising Neeson’s natural affinity for comedy. Fans and critics alike have remarked that the actor seems surprisingly suited for this shift in genre.
This change in his career path raises questions about whether Liam Neeson plans to retire from his action star image and embrace comedy more frequently. The actor’s transition marks an intriguing new chapter in his extensive career.
What Liam Neeson’s Move to Comedy Means for His Action Film Future
Liam Neeson built his reputation through intense, disciplined performances in action films, including memorable moments like his 2008 monologue in Taken and the fierce encounter with Christian Bale’s Batman in Batman Begins. Despite this legacy, Neeson appears ready to slow down on physical roles.
In candid discussions, Neeson admitted he no longer wishes to perform his own stunts due to age and physical limitations, though he still occasionally receives offers for action films. Now 73 years old, he expressed a desire to respect audiences by not attempting fight scenes that don’t involve his own real participation.
“The first ‘Taken’ was 18 years ago, I was 54. Feels like a lifetime ago. I still get offered the occasional one. But I’m 73, for f*ck’s sake. I don’t want to insult audiences if they’re watching whole fight scenes and it’s not me.” —Liam Neeson, Actor
Neeson added that while he used to enjoy performing fight scenes himself, that phase is behind him.
“Up until recently, I liked doing my own fight stuff. But I don’t want to be doing that stuff with a Zimmer frame or walking stick.” —Liam Neeson, Actor
Given these statements, fans can likely expect fewer action roles from Neeson moving forward, with comedy and lighter roles potentially becoming his focus. The strong reception to his performance in The Naked Gun reboot reinforces this new path.
The status of future action installments featuring Neeson remains uncertain, and this shift might signal the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another in his film career.
The Naked Gun reboot is currently showing in theaters in the USA, giving audiences a fresh look at Liam Neeson’s unexpected comedic talent and marking a notable departure from his traditional action-hero image.
