Paramount Pictures has announced an exciting revival of the classic comedy series The Naked Gun, with none other than Liam Neeson stepping into the iconic role initially played by Leslie Nielsen. After a hiatus of over 30 years, fans eagerly anticipate the beloved franchise’s return.
Co-produced by the creative genius behind Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane, and Erica Huggins, The Naked Gun reboot is set to hit the big screen on July 18, 2025, under the directorial helm of Akiva Schaffer. This announcement follows years of speculation and discussions, with Neeson himself acknowledging the potential career-changing nature of the project back in 2022.
The news has ignited a flurry of reactions on Twitter, showcasing a mix of excitement and scepticism from fans. Matt Jarbo expressed cautious optimism, stating, “As much as I’m not a big fan of remakes and reboots, I feel like Liam Neeson playing this role as straight as Leslie Nielsen did will be pretty funny.”
Chris Voiceman highlighted Neeson’s transition from serious roles to comedy, stating, “Choosing Liam Neeson instead of a more comedic actor already gives me hope that they understand what they’re doing.“
However, not all fans are on board with the idea of reviving a classic. Ajoenamedjoe shouted, “WHY WOULD YOU REMAKE PERFECTION?” While Elbethium expressed uncertainty, saying, “Not sure how I feel about this.”
News of the reboot receives mixed reviews on social media.
Neeson’s collaboration with Seth MacFarlane is not new, with the duo having previously worked together on projects such as A Million Ways To Die In The West, along with cameo appearances in Ted 2 and Orville. Neeson’s comedic prowess has been showcased in other films like Life’s Too Short and Derry Girls, proving that The Naked Gun won’t be his first foray into the world of laughter.
The original Naked Gun trilogy, led by Leslie Nielsen as the gullible detective Frank Drebin, achieved great success with films released in 1988, 1991, and 1994. The 1988 original film celebrated its 35th anniversary in December 2022, prompting discussions about a potential revival.
The reboot’s script is in the hands of Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, who previously collaborated with director Akiva Schaffer on Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane’s involvement as an executive producer further adds to the project’s anticipation.
In a surprising turn of events, it was revealed that the original creators, David Zucker and Pat Proft, were not involved in the reboot. Proft expressed disappointment, saying, “The new movie may come out and may be great,” but lamented not being part of the writing process.
Liam Neeson is nervous about the venture into such an iconic role.
Neeson’s commitment to the project came after initial hesitation, admitting in a 2021 interview, “It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction. I honestly don’t know.” This uncertainty adds an intriguing layer to the anticipation surrounding Neeson’s leap into the world of slapstick comedy.
The Naked Gun franchise, known for its irreverent slapstick humour, follows the escapades of Lieutenant Frank Drebin as he unravels nefarious plots. With Neeson’s unique blend of gravitas and comedic timing, the reboot promises to be a fresh take on the classic series.
As Hollywood continues to explore remakes and reboots, the July 2025 release date for The Naked Gun reboot has fans counting down the days until they can witness Liam Neeson’s comedic skills in action.