Action veteran turned spoofster? That’s exactly the gamble behind The Naked Gun (2025), where Liam Neeson dons the badge as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr.—taking up his legendary father’s chaotic mantle in this slapstick revival.
A Legacy Reboot with Modern Absurdity
Directed by Akiva Schaffer and written by Schaffer alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, this film picks up as a loving sequel to the original trilogy, reprising the over-the-top world of Police Squad — with a tech-savvy twist. Neeson’s Drebin Jr., alongside partner Capt. Ed Hocken Jr. (Paul Walter Hauser), tries to uncover corporate corruption while navigating sensational comedic pitfalls.WikipediaEW.com
Rotten Tomatoes Raves
Critics have mostly applauded the return. Rotten Tomatoes reports an impressive 89% approval rating, noting Neeson’s gravelly persona is a surprisingly perfect foil for Drebin’s deadpan buffoonery.Rotten Tomatoes Meanwhile, The Week hails it as “a dumb comedy of the expert kind,” complimenting its chaotic humor and Neeson’s comedic chemistry, especially with Pamela Anderson.The Week
Box Office & Original Reactions
The film debuted solidly with a $17 million opening weekend, ranking third at the box office. Veteran Naked Gun director David Zucker voiced support for the reboot’s success—though he admits he won’t actually watch it.Cinemablend
Fun Facts & Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
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This reboot nearly didn’t happen. Earlier attempts—from a 2009 sequel with Nielsen to a 2013 reboot with Ed Helms—fell through before Seth MacFarlane revived it in 2021 and eventually cast Neeson.Wikipedia+1
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Filming took place in Atlanta in Spring 2024, with production wrapping mid-year.Wikipedia
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Neeson was cast following MacFarlane’s interest—he’d eyed Neeson in the role as early as 2015.Wikipedia+1
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The runtime clocks in at a brisk 85 minutes, packing comedy and chaos into tight pacing.Wikipedia
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The ensemble is funneled with faces across genres: Liza Koshy, CCH Pounder, Cody Rhodes, Busta Rhymes, and even a cameo by Priscilla Presley (as Drebin Jr.’s mom!).WikipediaEW.com
Liam Neeson: From Brooding to Buffoonery
Known for Taken and dramatic weight, Neeson leans fully into absurdity. He delivers the Drebin deadpan with surprising zeal, embracing every ridiculous gag—from explosive pratfalls to unexpected parodies.EW.comThe Times
His on-screen spark with Pamela Anderson—playing crime novelist Beth Davenport—is also a highlight, both for their comedic timing and reported off-screen chemistry. Fans and media alike have picked up on something more than just a performance—reports even call their connection “sincere” and “very loving.”Marie ClaireThe CutNew York Post
Final Lap: Verdict and Legacy
Neeson’s leap into slapstick might seem unlikely, but it pays off—with critics, audiences, and the box office offering a warm welcome. It’s a nostalgic blast that modernizes absurdity without losing the heart of the originals. Whether you’re after nostalgia, belly laughs, or just Liam in a schoolgirl outfit—this Naked Gun has it All.
