It’s been over three decades since the last Naked Gun movie hit theaters. Now, the legendary spoof comedy franchise is back—and early reactions suggest it’s exactly what fans have been waiting for.
The new film, officially titled The Naked Gun, premiered Monday night in New York, and if the buzz is any indication, it’s a triumphant return.
Liam Neeson Steps Into Big Shoes
Liam Neeson stars as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the original bumbling cop Frank Drebin, made iconic by the late Leslie Nielsen.
At first glance, Neeson might seem like an odd pick for a parody-heavy comedy—but fans at the premiere say he nails it.
Neeson plays it straight, just like Nielsen did, which makes the absurdity around him even funnier.
A Star-Studded Ensemble
Pamela Anderson brings the glam and comic timing. Paul Walter Hauser steals scenes. Kevin Durand and Danny Huston add a layer of ridiculous seriousness. YouTube star Liza Koshy surprises with physical comedy chops, and WWE’s Cody Runnels (aka Cody Rhodes) adds punch—literally.
CCH Pounder grounds the chaos with a commanding presence, keeping things moving between the madness.
It’s a mix of fresh faces and familiar tones, and the ensemble chemistry is what really sells it.
Critics Hold Fire, But Fans Are Sold
Full reviews won’t drop until Wednesday, but early social media buzz from press and fans at the premiere is overwhelmingly positive.
Words like hysterical, nostalgic, and perfectly dumb in the best way are being thrown around. Some even called it the “funniest movie in years.”
For fans who feared this reboot might fall flat, the relief is real.
Smart, Stupid, and Surprisingly Timely
The humor is classic Naked Gun—sight gags, slapstick, ridiculous puns, and endless deadpan delivery.
But there’s a modern edge, too. The movie cleverly pokes fun at everything from celebrity culture to social media to overblown police dramas.
Still, it never feels preachy. It’s here to make you laugh—nothing more, nothing less.
Final Take: This Franchise Isn’t Just Alive, It’s Thriving
After 31 years, the Naked Gun reboot could’ve gone horribly wrong. Instead, it leans into the absurd, honors the original, and lets a new generation of actors have fun with it.
Liam Neeson proves he can do comedy just as well as action. And with this kind of reception, don’t be surprised if The Naked Gun is the start of a whole new era for the franchise.