The phrase “Naked Gun” instantly brings to mind slapstick chaos, deadpan humor, and the unforgettable performance of Leslie Nielsen as the clueless but lovable detective Frank Drebin. First launched in 1988, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! became a cult comedy classic, spawning two sequels and cementing its place as one of the most influential parody films in Hollywood history. Now, in a surprising twist that even Drebin wouldn’t see coming, the franchise is being revived for a modern audience.
What is Naked Gun?
Naked Gun is a series of American comedy films based on the short-lived but beloved television series Police Squad!, created by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker — the same team behind Airplane! and Top Secret!. The original 1988 film starred Leslie Nielsen as Lieutenant Frank Drebin of Police Squad, a well-meaning but bumbling detective whose attempts at crimefighting often created more chaos than order.
The film's outrageous jokes, visual gags, and wordplay turned it into a box office hit, leading to two sequels:
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The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)
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Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994)
The New Naked Gun Movie – What We Know So Far
As of 2025, Paramount Pictures is bringing back The Naked Gun franchise with a brand-new reboot. This time, comedy legend Liam Neeson is set to star in the lead role — not as Frank Drebin, but as his son. The film is being produced by Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy and Ted, alongside Akiva Schaffer of The Lonely Island, who will direct.
✅ Confirmed Details:
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Working Title: The Naked Gun
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Lead Actor: Liam Neeson
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Role: Frank Drebin Jr.
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Producer: Seth MacFarlane
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Director: Akiva Schaffer
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Production Status: Filming expected in 2025
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Expected Release: Possibly late 2025 or early 2026
Why Naked Gun Still Matters Today
In the era of cinematic universes and superhero blockbusters, a return to irreverent, self-aware comedy is more than welcome. The original Naked Gun was never afraid to push boundaries or throw in absurd, left-field jokes that made audiences laugh uncontrollably. It inspired countless other comedies, from Scary Movie to Hot Fuzz.
Reviving this franchise also pays tribute to Leslie Nielsen, whose turn from serious dramatic actor to comic icon transformed his career — and left a legacy of laugh-out-loud hilarity. Neeson, known for intense action roles in Taken and The Grey, has previously shown strong comedic timing on The Simpsons and Life’s Too Short, making him a fitting heir to Drebin's detective badge.
Trivia About the Naked Gun Franchise
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OJ Simpson played Officer Nordberg in the original trilogy.
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The original Police Squad! series lasted only six episodes but gained cult status.
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The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Leslie Nielsen performed nearly all of his own physical comedy stunts.
Cultural Impact of Naked Gun
The humor style of Naked Gun — rapid-fire gags, ridiculous wordplay, breaking the fourth wall — influenced not just films but TV comedies around the world. Without it, we likely wouldn’t have shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Angie Tribeca, or movies like Austin Powers and 21 Jump Street (2012).
What to Expect from the Reboot
With Liam Neeson stepping in, fans can expect a blend of action and comedy — possibly even poking fun at his Taken persona. Under Seth MacFarlane’s creative oversight, the humor is likely to be sharp, fast-paced, and as self-referential as ever.
If the reboot sticks to its roots — absurd humor, slapstick moments, and deadpan delivery — it could reintroduce The Naked Gun to an entirely new generation while satisfying longtime fans of the original trilogy.
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