The legendary spoof comedy franchise The Naked Gun is officially back—this time with action icon Liam Neeson stepping into the world of slapstick chaos, and Pamela Anderson making an unexpected yet buzzworthy comedic return. Paramount Pictures has unveiled the full trailer for the rebooted Naked Gun, set to hit theaters on August 1, 2025, and fans are already calling it a nostalgic riot with a fresh, modern twist.
🕵️ Liam Neeson Is Frank Drebin Jr.
Known for his intense roles in Taken and The Grey, Neeson takes on a surprisingly self-aware turn as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s legendary police detective from the original trilogy. In the trailer, Neeson plays the character with a completely straight face—one of the franchise’s signature comedic strengths—navigating absurd crime scenarios, explosive mishaps, and deadpan one-liners.
“People forget Liam has incredible comedic timing,” director Akiva Schaffer said in a recent interview. “He plays it so straight, it becomes hysterical.”
💋 Pamela Anderson’s Comeback
Equally grabbing headlines is Pamela Anderson, who stars as “Beth,” a sultry, mysterious figure who entangles Drebin Jr. in a larger criminal conspiracy. Long associated with Baywatch and pin-up fame, Anderson shows off her range with physical comedy and confident delivery. A standout gag in the trailer—where Anderson’s character is thrown off a malfunctioning massage chair—has already become a viral hit.
Anderson’s casting has been praised as a brilliant “wink” at her iconic 90s status while giving her the chance to reinvent herself as a comedic force.
🎬 Directed by Akiva Schaffer
Best known as part of The Lonely Island comedy trio and the director behind cult favorites like MacGruber and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, Schaffer helms this reboot with a strong comedic pedigree. His goal, he says, is to “honor the absurdity” of the original Naked Gun films while infusing the story with a modern, faster-paced style.
🎭 Ensemble Cast & Franchise Nods
The supporting cast features a talented mix of comedy and action veterans, including:
- Paul Walter Hauser as Ed Hocken Jr.
- Kevin Durand
- Danny Huston
- Liza Koshy
- Cody Rhodes
- CCH Pounder
The film also promises plenty of callbacks and Easter eggs for longtime fans—including subtle nods to O.J. Simpson’s character Nordberg, over-the-top police gadgets, and the famous “freeze-frame” credits gag.
📽️ Early Buzz & Expectations
Early screenings have generated extremely positive feedback. According to inside sources, test audiences responded with “roaring laughter,” calling it a return to form for parody cinema. In an era where spoof comedies have largely disappeared from the mainstream, The Naked Gun reboot could be a revival for the genre.
Industry analysts say this film could become a surprise hit at the box office, appealing to both nostalgia-driven moviegoers and younger audiences unfamiliar with the original.
🗓️ Release Date
Paramount will release The Naked Gun exclusively in theaters on August 1, 2025. With the summer box office stacked with superhero fare and sequels, this film’s unique tone and comedic legacy could help it stand out in a crowded field.
