Dubai, UAE | July 29, 2025: Pamela Anderson, the quintessential image of 90s pop culture defined by her slow-motion ‘Baywatch’ run, is set to surprise audiences by stepping into the world of slapstick comedy. Anderson co-stars with acclaimed actor Liam Neeson in the highly anticipated reboot of ‘The Naked Gun,’ which is scheduled to premiere in UAE cinemas this July 31st.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Anderson expressed immense admiration for her co-star, Liam Neeson, a veteran known primarily for his intense dramatic roles. “He’s such a gentleman,” Anderson shared warmly. “Working with a legend like him and doing something this fun — with a sweet love story at its core — was incredible. We really jumped into the unknown together. High comedy takes trust and courage, and this was an unforgettable experience. We’ll be friends for life.”
This new iteration of ‘The Naked Gun’ trades the iconic slow-motion rescues for relentless slapstick and absurd situations, directed by Akiva Schaffer, an alumnus of ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Schaffer also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand.
Anderson firmly believes in the resurgence of comedic films. “I honestly think comedies need to make a comeback,” she stated. She lauded Schaffer’s precision in crafting the film’s humor, noting, “Akiva’s timing is brilliant — comedy is like a science, every beat has to land. We filmed so much material, you could make a couple of movies out of it. Through all the silliness, staying grounded and connected was key. I just hope this film honours the original fans and also pulls in a brand-new audience.”
For Liam Neeson, who has built a career out of brooding intensity and “particular skills” in action films like ‘Taken,’ ‘The Naked Gun’ marks a significant and delightful comedic departure. In the reboot, he steps into the role of Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the bumbling son of the original character famously portrayed by Leslie Nielsen. This unexpected casting has generated considerable buzz, with early reactions from preview screenings praising Neeson’s deadpan delivery and seamless integration into the film’s absurd world. Critics have highlighted the movie’s ability to maintain the spirit of the original franchise while injecting fresh energy.
Anderson emphasized that despite its seemingly effortless nature, making people laugh through comedy is a challenging feat. “The main thing is to keep it real,” she explained. “You can’t laugh at your own jokes while shooting. It’s all about making sure the connection between characters feels authentic, even when everything around you is completely ridiculous.”
The film also features Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, and Liza Koshy in key roles. Produced by Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins, ‘The Naked Gun’ reboot is a legacy sequel aiming to revive the beloved spoof-comedy franchise for both nostalgic fans and a new generation. Following its UAE premiere, the film is set for a wider theatrical release on August 1st.
Pamela Anderson, Liam Neeson, The Naked Gun, comedy reboot, Akiva Schaffer, movie release, UAE cinema, Baywatch, slapstick comedy, Hollywood, film news, Seth MacFarlane, Frank Drebin Jr.