The absurd, slapstick world of The Naked Gun is officially back—and this time, it’s got a serious face with a seriously funny heart. Set to release on August 1, 2025, The Naked Gun reboot marks the fourth installment in the beloved franchise that once starred the late comedy legend Leslie Nielsen. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, known for Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and his work on SNL, this legacy sequel brings a fresh cast and updated satire while honoring the ridiculous charm of the originals.
Liam Neeson Like You’ve Never Seen Him
Liam Neeson may be known for his gritty, action-packed performances, but in The Naked Gun (2025), he shows off a sharp sense of comedic timing that’s rarely seen in his filmography. His stone-faced delivery perfectly contrasts with the absurdity around him—a core element of what made the original Naked Gun films starring Leslie Nielsen so hilarious.
This unexpected casting is a gamble that pays off. Neeson dives fully into the slapstick, self-aware humor that defined the franchise, and fans will be delighted to see how effortlessly he carries Drebin’s legacy.
Star Power: Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson
The casting is both surprising and brilliant. Neeson might not be your first guess for a slapstick comedy lead, but his straight-faced delivery is exactly what makes the comedy land. It’s the classic spoof formula: let the absurdity speak for itself while the actor plays it completely straight.
Joining him is Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport, a sultry jazz singer and Drebin’s unpredictable love interest. Her character isn’t just eye candy—she sings, she schemes, and she may even save the day. Anderson performs an original jazz piece in the movie (“Sassafras Chicken in D”), channeling a hilarious blend of musical absurdity and theatrical flair. According to cast interviews, the musical number was done in one take over 12 hours—and yes, she baked sourdough bread for Liam on set.
Also in the cast:
- Paul Walter Hauser as Captain Ed Hocken Jr., a lovable but clumsy superior.
- Danny Huston as Richard Cane, the villain with a passion for weather manipulation.
- Liza Koshy, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder, Cody Rhodes, and Busta Rhymes in supporting roles.
- Moses Jones as Nordberg Jr., continuing the legacy of slapstick misfortune.
Storyline: Crime, Romance, and Chaos
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but here’s what we know: Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. is back in L.A. after a series of misadventures overseas. He’s brought in to investigate a string of bizarre crimes linked to a corrupt tech mogul and a citywide power outage. Along the way, he gets involved with Beth, the lounge singer with more secrets than songs. Add in Nordberg’s unintentional sabotage, Hocken’s old-school methods, and a villain who thinks he’s doing good for the environment, and you’ve got the perfect setup for disaster.
And yes—there’s a snowman romance scene. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
What Makes This Worth Watching
This film isn’t just a cash grab reboot. It’s helmed by creatives who grew up on the original trilogy and genuinely want to revive a genre that’s nearly extinct: the spoof comedy. And in today’s world of reboots, few manage to balance nostalgia and innovation. The Naked Gun (2025) seems poised to do exactly that.
Here’s why it’s a must-watch:
- Liam Neeson’s comedic debut in a role far outside his usual comfort zone.
- Pamela Anderson’s return in a charming, musically hilarious performance.
- A strong supporting cast that brings depth and laughter in equal parts.
- Gag-filled scenes, satirical jabs, and wild set pieces you don’t see in modern comedies anymore.
Early Fan Reactions
The teaser trailer and early behind-the-scenes press have already sparked fan excitement. Reddit threads and comment sections are lighting up with praise for the return to classic slapstick and the decision to maintain the absurdity instead of over-modernizing it. Early screeners hint that the film has “laugh-out-loud” moments that feel fresh yet familiar.
Even Neeson, when asked about joining the franchise, simply said:
“I miss movies that make people laugh like idiots—and this one absolutely does.”
The Naked Gun (2025) is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated comedies of the year—and that’s saying something in a genre that’s been dormant for far too long. With heart, chaos, and jazz hands, it brings silly back in the best way possible.