A long overdue reboot of The Naked Gun franchise is finally gaining momentum at Paramount and recent reports have revealed Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson as its leading stars.
Based on the crime spoof comedy film series, featuring O.J. Simpson alongside Leslie Nielsen, the remake has reportedly been in development since 2022. It is expected to revisit the humor and charm of the original 1988 film that launched the beloved franchise.
Liam Neeson to Star Alongside Pamela Anderson in The Naked Gun Remake
Hollywood star Liam Neeson has been in conversation to headline The Naked Gun remake for a while. And recent reports have confirmed that the Taken actor will star in the upcoming remake alongside the Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.
Released between the 1980s and ’90s, The Naked Gun film series is known for its slapstick humor, absurd plotlines, and memorable characters. Led by bumbling detective Frank Drebin, the films parody the police procedural genre with hilarious and often outrageous scenarios.
The untitled remake is set to be directed by Akiva Schaffer. While details surrounding the plot of the film have not been disclosed, reports have revealed that Neeson would be taking on the role of Frank Drebin, with Anderson portraying his love interest.
• Pamela Anderson is perfect casting
• Liam Neeson doesn't have a funny bone in his body
• I'm just grateful it's not Kevin Hart
• Who's playing OJ?— Christopher Mac 🦭 (@motherquoter) April 16, 2024
Kevin Hart will be OJ, calling it lol
— Challah Bread (@challah_bread_) April 16, 2024
It's a shame no OJ cameo 😕
— George🇨🇦 (@MrHabs666) April 16, 2024
I hope they get @AB84 for the naked gun remake to play OJ’s character
— Rayvo (@Mz_is_behaving) April 16, 2024
The film series is also known for starring O.J. Simpson as Detective Fred Nordberg. And fans have been curious as to who will be taking on his character in the upcoming remake. “Who’s playing OJ?” one X (Twitter) user questioned.
However, there have been no updates regarding the character’s recasting or potential appearance in the much-awaited remake. O.J. Simpson, who has been embroiled in notable legal issues, passed away on April 10, 2024, due to cancer at his residence in Las Vegas.
Liam Neeson Discussed the Shift to Comedy With the Upcoming Remake
In a recent interview, the Oscar-nominated actor was asked what appealed to him about The Naked Gun that led him to shift toward comedy after a series of action movies. He recalled looking for “something silly,” among the Academy screeners to enjoy before Christmas.
However, he could not find a lighthearted film. “There was none—as they were all very heavy and international,” he said before adding, “I mean, brilliant movies, but all very heavy.” So when Seth MacFarlane approached him about starring in The Naked Gun remake, he found it very intriguing.
He told The Hollywood Reporter,
“I thought, yeah, I guess I could do that as long as I play it dead seriously and not try and imitate Mr. Leslie Nielsen. He was wonderful. Akiva Schaffer is directing it— I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good script, and there’s a few laugh out loud moments in it.”
The 71-year-old actor has a number of films lined up. However, he has shared that he is now focusing on the remake. The production for the remake is reported to start this year, with producer Seth MacFarlane sharing that the film is in development.
The Naked Gun is scheduled to be released on July 18, 2025.
The Naked Gun franchise is available to stream on Max.
