Sub-headline: Action star Liam Neeson steps into the iconic role of bumbling detective Frank Drebin Jr. in the first look at the highly anticipated police comedy reboot.
Los Angeles, CA – Fans of classic comedy films have reason to celebrate. Paramount Pictures has officially released the first trailer for the much-anticipated Naked Gun reboot. Generating significant buzz is the casting of veteran action star Liam Neeson in the lead role.
In this new film, Neeson portrays Frank Drebin Jr., revealed to be the son of the famously inept detective Frank Drebin Sr., a character immortalized by the late Leslie Nielsen. The original Naked Gun TV show (Police Squad!) and film series were creations of the legendary comedy trio Zucker Abrahams Zucker (ZAZ).
Liam Neeson as a More Modern Frank Drebin Jr.?
The trailer, which dropped on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, introduces Frank Drebin Jr. as a seemingly far slicker and more competent operator than his father. One highlighted scene shows Neeson deftly disabling a disguised villain with a sharpened lollipop.
However, the trailer also hints at the character's sentimental side, showing him tearfully addressing a photograph of Drebin Sr. This moment is followed by glimpses of individuals presumed to be the offspring of original characters Captain Ed Hocken (played by George Kennedy) and Officer Nordberg (controversially portrayed by O.J. Simpson).
Behind the Scenes and Original Legacy
This Naked Gun reboot is directed by Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with the comedy group The Lonely Island. Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy and Ted, is on board as a producer. The cast also includes Pamela Anderson and Danny Huston.
Liam Neeson (72), whose career initially soared with dramatic roles like his Oscar-nominated performance in Schindler's List (1993), experienced a major resurgence as an action star with the Taken franchise (2008-2014). Despite previously suggesting he might step back from action films, Neeson has continued in the genre, with his most recent being 2024's Absolution. His casting in Naked Gun marks a notable return to the comedy genre.
The original Naked Gun movies were not only critical darlings but also substantial commercial hits, grossing $166 million worldwide at the box office. They have maintained enduring popularity through home entertainment and streaming platforms.
Several key figures from the original series have sadly passed away, including Leslie Nielsen (2010), George Kennedy (2016), O.J. Simpson (last year), and one of the co-creators, Jim Abrahams (last year). This reboot aims to capture the beloved deadpan humor for a new generation while honoring the original's legacy.
The release of this first trailer undoubtedly fuels anticipation for Liam Neeson's comedic performance as the new Frank Drebin.
Keywords: "Naked Gun reboot," "Liam Neeson," "Frank Drebin Jr," "Naked Gun trailer," "police comedy movie," "Leslie Nielsen," "Akiva Schaffer," "Seth MacFarlane," "Pamela Anderson," "Danny Huston."
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