The Naked Gun Reloads

The Naked Gun Reboot We Never Knew We Needed (But Secretly Dreamed About in a Fever Nap)
 

Welcome to the Absurd-iverse

In this week's “Did someone spike the Hollywood punch bowl?” segment, we’ve got a reboot so bonkers it might actually be brilliant. Liam Neeson—yes, the stoic human growl machine from Taken and “all your bones are belong to me” memes—is donning the trench coat of America’s most beloved bumbling detective, Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., in The Naked Gun reboot.

Let that sink in. The guy who once dismantled an Albanian trafficking ring with just a flip phone and dad rage is now going to slip on a banana peel while trying to disarm a glitter bomb.

From “I Have a Particular Set of Skills” to “Oops, I Sat on My Gun”

For decades, Neeson has played characters with laser focus, fists of fury, and absolutely zero chill. But now? He’s inheriting the comic legacy of the late, great Leslie Nielsen—a man who once delivered lines like, “Nice beaver,” while holding a stuffed animal with a poker face so iconic it could break glass.

Neeson steps into the shoes of Drebin’s son, a new generation of awkward justice, ready to continue the family tradition of solving crimes with maximum sincerity and minimal success. And no, he hasn’t traded his particular set of skills—but he may have added “accidentally tasering himself in a mirror” to the list.

Behind the Scenes: A Whoopee Cushion Dream Team

The film is directed by Akiva Schaffer, the SNL and Lonely Island brainchild behind such masterpieces as “I’m on a Boat” and “Hot Rod” (which, if you haven’t seen, please go apologize to your inner child immediately). Schaffer co-wrote the script with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, while Seth MacFarlane is on board as producer—because nothing says “chaotic brilliance” like the man who made a foul-mouthed teddy bear a cinematic icon.

According to Neeson, he’s “slightly nervous” about following in Nielsen’s legendary squeaky footsteps, but promises “laugh out loud moments.” That’s actor-speak for: “I read the script and sprayed coffee out of my nose.” Neeson’s comedic side may be unexplored territory—but if anyone can punch someone mid pratfall and make it funny, it’s this man.

Cue the Nostalgia: 1988 Called and It’s Still Hilarious

Let’s rewind. The original Naked Gun trilogy (and its TV predecessor Police Squad!) wasn’t just funny—it was absurdist gold. A perfectly crafted mess of sight gags, double entendres, and jokes so dumb they lapped around and became genius. I fondly remember seeing all 3 Naked Gun films in the theater with my forever movie partner, my dad. Leslie Nielsen didn’t play funny—he was funny, by doing absolutely nothing that looked like he was trying to be funny.

It was the kind of comedy that taught a generation how to appreciate the fine art of slipping on a banana peel while delivering a pun about body odor. And let’s be honest, we all know at least one dad who still quotes, “And don’t call me Shirley,” like it’s a religion.

Now, with Neeson on board, and a cast that includes Pamela Anderson (doing her own stunts by literally running into walls), Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, WWE’s Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Danny Huston (sure, why not)—we’re getting what might be the most gloriously unhinged ensemble since your aunt’s second wedding.

High Hopes, Lowbrow Gags

The cast and crew aren’t just in on the joke—they’re making it up as they go. According to Anderson, the set was full of improvisation, Saturday Night Live energy, and lots of “is this too ridiculous?” followed by “nope, print it.” She also described Neeson as “hysterical,” which is the kind of twist no one saw coming—especially not the mime he accidentally karate chopped in scene four.

Closing Thoughts from the Department of Inexplicable Reboots

So here we are, 2025. Climate change is still real, Social Media is breaking down civilization, and Liam Neeson is doing sight gags in a reboot of The Naked Gun. And somehow… it makes sense?

Will it be good? Who knows. Will it be funny? Probably. Will it be the most Liam Neeson thing since Liam Neeson punched a wolf in the face in The Grey? Also probably.

All we know is, if this movie doesn’t include at least one slow-mo hallway explosion, a saxophone solo, and a suspect getting taken down by a rogue water fountain, we will protest. With signs. And fart noises.

Coming August 1st: The Naked Gun.
Rated: PG-13 (probably)
Vibes: Slapstick noir meets dad-joke fever dream
Mood: Accidentally wore clown shoes to jury duty