The Naked Gun Reboot: Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson Bring Back Slapstick Legacy

Paramount releases first trailer of The Naked Gun reboot, starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., with Pamela Anderson and a star-studded ensemble ahead of its August 1 theatrical debut.

The iconic slapstick comedy franchise is back — and this time, it stars Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. Paramount Pictures has unveiled the first trailer for The Naked Gun reboot, giving audiences a glimpse into the absurd antics of Frank Drebin Jr., son of Leslie Nielsen’s legendary detective. Set for release on August 1, the reboot revives the zany energy of the original trilogy that defined outrageous comedy in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

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Liam Neeson steps into the slapstick spotlight as Frank Drebin Jr., taking up the baton from his on-screen father — the late, great Leslie Nielsen’s classic bumbling detective — in Paramount’s much-anticipated reboot of The Naked Gun. Joining him is Pamela Anderson, in a fresh take that promises to deliver the same chaotic charm that made the franchise a cult classic.

Directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and produced by comedy powerhouse Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy, Ted), The Naked Gun reboot aims to bring back the ridiculous, over-the-top gags, and deadpan hilarity that defined the original films. The script is penned by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, and Schaffer, ensuring a blend of modern sensibility with vintage absurdism.

The supporting cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, taking on the role of the son of George Kennedy’s character, Captain Ed Hocken. Other ensemble members include CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, WWE star Cody Rhodes, YouTuber-turned-actress Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Danny Huston — adding new layers to the film’s comedic landscape.

Originally created by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, The Naked Gun franchise began with the 1988 hit The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, and was followed by The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) and Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994). Across the trilogy, the films raked in over $216 million worldwide and became synonymous with slapstick brilliance.

The reboot trailer showcases a mix of homage and innovation, introducing a new generation to the wild world of Drebin while tipping its hat to the original gags, puns, and pratfalls. With Neeson bringing his unique brand of deadpan intensity to a traditionally zany role, fans can expect a hilarious juxtaposition that could redefine the modern spoof genre.

Paramount will officially release The Naked Gun reboot in theaters on August 1, 2025, positioning it as a summer comedy tentpole for both nostalgic fans and curious newcomers.