Paramount has finally released the first trailer for its reboot of the classic Naked Gun franchise, and it doesn’t disappoint.
In a bold move, Liam Neeson takes on the mantle of Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the late, great detective Frank Drebin, originally played by Leslie Nielsen.
The trailer blends absurdist slapstick and Neeson’s signature action intensity, showing Drebin Jr. disarming a criminal disguised as a schoolgirl using a sharpened lollipop. Fans of the original franchise will instantly recognize the DNA of the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team that created the legendary 1980s films.
Neeson, 72, appears to be channeling a version of himself that blends his Taken-era gravitas with the wide-eyed chaos of classic parody. In one emotional moment from the trailer, he tearfully addresses a photo of his late father, a nod to the legacy of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic deadpan comedy.
The reboot is directed by Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and produced by Seth MacFarlane, best known for Ted and Family Guy. Alongside Neeson, the film stars Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston, and a mix of newcomers and throwback cameos that are sure to generate buzz.
The trailer also cheekily introduces characters tied to Drebin Sr.’s original crew, including descendants of Captain Ed Hocken (originally George Kennedy) and even the controversial character Nordberg (played in the original films by OJ Simpson). With Simpson’s passing in 2024 and the deaths of co-creator Jim Abrahams (2024), George Kennedy (2016), and Nielsen himself (2010), the new installment carries a surprising emotional weight.
Despite rumors that Neeson was planning to retire from action films, the actor has leaned into a career renaissance. From Oscar-nominated roles like Schindler’s List to high-octane hits like Taken, Neeson’s ability to walk the line between drama and physical comedy is now on full display.
The original Naked Gun trilogy grossed over $166 million at the box office and has maintained a cult following thanks to home video and streaming. This reboot of Naked Gun, with its combination of reverence and reinvention, looks poised to capture both old fans and new audiences.
No official release date has been announced, but the trailer drop alone has already made waves on social media, with fans and film buffs praising the bold casting and nostalgic tone.
