While there are plenty of ᴅᴇᴀᴅly serious detective series, The Naked Gun is not one of them. Entries in this comedy franchise are considered crime spoof movies, playing on tropes ᴀssociated with the genre. While the movies may be the best-known elements of the new franchise, the IP actually originated as a parody TV show called Police Squad!. As he did in the movies, the late Leslie Nielsen played bumbling Det. Frank Drebin in the show, and later reprised his role in the three movies.
The 21st century is the time for legacy sequels, and The Naked Gun is no exception. The movie is getting a rebooted version, where Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the original detective, will now have to lead the Police Squad and save the world. The new star is Liam Neeson, who is joined by Kevin Durand, Pamela Anderson, and Paul Walter Hauser. Going into this reboot, there is some cautious optimism counteracted by a level of skepticism, but its trailer has instilled a new level of confidence.
A New Naked Gun Movie Doesn’t Sound Great On Paper
Really, Another Reboot?
When The Naked Gun reboot was announced in February 2024, there was a lot of skepticism. Not only would this drag up a franchise that ended decades ago, but it would do so without the original star. Having acted in both the TV show and the movies, Nielsen was essential to the fabric of The Naked Gun and what made it funny. A Police Squad without the original Frank Drebin seemed at best unnecessary and at worse offensive.
A return to The Naked Gun originally felt like a step backward.
It also meant that, once again, Hollywood seemed out of ideas. While there have been some good ones, the modern era has been filled with reboots and long-delayed sequels. Top Gun: Maverick came out in 2022, and last year saw the release of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. In both cases, these movies were well-received, but I don’t think I’m alone in saying I never quite feel the same excitement about them as I did an original project. A return to The Naked Gun originally felt like a step backward.
The Naked Gun Actually Looks Really Funny
I Was Somewhat Surprised By The Trailer
A new trailer for The Naked Gun came out that actually changed my position on the film. There was another trailer released a few months ago, but the latest really dials up the laughs. It begins by establishing Frank Drebin Jr. and his work with the Police Squad, but quickly transitions into something far more amusing. It contains goofy crude jokes that look like they could be straight out of the original, pun-filled content (e.g. Frank Derbin Jr. reading manslaughter as “man’s laughter“), and it modernizes its references.
These elements make this snippet even better than The Naked Gun‘s first teaser trailer. It is clear that all of these actors are bringing their A-game to The Naked Gun, which will really improve the film. Nielsen may no longer be there, but it is clear that the movie will pay homage to him and his peers by focusing on their children carrying out their legacy. Nielsen’s spirit is also felt in the goofy comedic energy present in The Naked Gun, which will be a great way to honor the original comedies while still updating the story.
The Naked Gun Is Perfect For Liam Neeson
It Speaks Back To His Own Career History
The trailer also highlights how good of a choice Neeson is for the role. Police Squad! originated as a parody of more serious crime movies, a genre that Neeson himself has been a part of. Lines in the trailer such as “I’ll find them, this is what I do” seem like a nod to movies like Taken and the like, acknowledging Neeson’s own past. That said, projects such as Life’s Too Short and his cameo in Ted 2 have also shown off Neeson’s comedic chops, which will well-prepare him for this film. When put together, these elements can make The Naked Gun a worthwhile legacy sequel.
