Liam Neeson stars as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. in The Naked Gun.
After a three-decade hiatus, a new chapter is being added to The Naked Gun crime-spoof comedy series with an upcoming film simply titled The Naked Gun. This latest installment, referred to as a “legacy sequel,” features Liam Neeson in the role of Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the character made famous by Leslie Nielsen. The recently released trailer indicates that Neeson is ready to embrace the comedic elements of the role.
(Warning: Spoilers for the original trilogy follow.)
The original film, Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, premiered in 1988, with Leslie Nielsen playing the bumbling detective Frank Drebin, who strives to thwart an attempt on Queen Elizabeth II’s life during her U.S. visit. The film’s favorable reception led to two sequels: Naked Gun 2-1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991), wherein Drebin seeks to protect a kidnapped nuclear scientist, and Naked Gun 33-1/3: The Final Insult (1994), in which Drebin returns from retirement to infiltrate a criminal organization plotting to bomb the Academy Awards.
Interest in the franchise waned following these films, but in 2013, Paramount announced an attempt to reboot the series, with Ed Helms set to portray “Frank Drebin, no relation.” David Zucker, who directed the first two films and produced all three, stepped back, expressing concerns that a reboot would intrinsically lack the charm of the originals. Although he briefly engaged in writing for a 2017 version featuring Frank’s son as a secret agent, that project ultimately fell flat. Plans resurfaced in 2021 under Seth MacFarlane’s direction, leading to Neeson’s casting as Frank Drebin Jr., now portrayed as a police lieutenant.
Joining Neeson is Paul Walter Hauser, who will play Captain Ed Hocken, Jr.—a character familiar to fans. Hauser is also cast as Mole Man in the eagerly anticipated Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film’s lineup includes Pamela Anderson in the role of a femme fatale named Beth, along with Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes, CCH Pounder, Busta Rhymes, and Eddy Yu.
The film aims to honor Leslie Nielsen’s legacy as Lt. Frank Drebin.
Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) seems to follow in his father’s footsteps in comedic mishaps.
Similarly, Ed Hocken Jr. (Paul Walter Hauser) embodies the spirit of his predecessor.
Pamela Anderson adds to the mix as a seductive femme fatale.
The initial teaser for the film was unveiled in April, and it received mixed reactions, including from Zucker himself, who expressed dismay after viewing it, stating that he regretted it. Meanwhile, Neeson appears to relish the chance to parody his well-known action hero persona from the Taken films. He notes, “Once you kill a man for revenge, there’s no going back,” accompanied by a humorous scene where he uses an assailant’s limbs as weapons. The trailer also features both Frank and Ed having a heartfelt moment next to plaques honoring their fathers, paying homage to their predecessors.
Frank is touted as the top officer in the elite Police Squad, yet he finds himself commandeering the restroom of a coffee shop for what he calls “police business.” The storyline hints that Beth’s brother has been murdered, prompting her to seek Frank’s assistance in tracking down the culprit. Failure to do so could mean the closure of the Police Squad. One amusing exchange occurs when he interrogates a suspect who once served time for “man’s laughter.” When he learns it was for manslaughter, he quips, “Must have been quite the joke.”
This film appears to offer lighthearted summer entertainment. The humor may not resonate with everyone, but for those who appreciate it, The Naked Gun is set to arrive in theaters on August 1, 2025.
