The highly anticipated reboot of The Naked Gun franchise is set to bring back the slapstick comedy that fans have loved since the 1980s. With Liam Neeson stepping into the role of Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the iconic bumbling detective originally played by Leslie Nielsen, the first full trailer for the 2025 film has dropped, promising a hilarious mix of absurd humor and modern flair. Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, this legacy sequel is gearing up to hit theaters on August 1, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the trailer debut and what to expect from this comedic revival.
A New Frank Drebin Takes the Stage
The Naked Gun reboot introduces Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., who follows in his father’s footsteps to lead the Police Squad in their latest mission to save the world. The trailer showcases Neeson’s comedic chops, a departure from his action-heavy roles in films like Taken. In one standout scene, Neeson disguises himself as a schoolgirl, wielding a sharpened lollipop to take down bank robbers, delivering the line, “Your ass,” with a mischievous grin. This moment sets the tone for the film’s irreverent humor, blending Neeson’s action-star gravitas with the franchise’s signature absurdity.
The trailer also pays homage to the original series, featuring a heartfelt moment where Drebin Jr. tearfully addresses a portrait of his father, Frank Drebin Sr. (Leslie Nielsen). Other Police Squad members, including the sons of Captain Ed Hocken (played by Paul Walter Hauser) and Detective Nordberg (originally portrayed by O.J. Simpson), join in, adding a meta twist that nods to the franchise’s history.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Joining Neeson is a talented ensemble cast, including Pamela Anderson as the sultry femme fatale Beth, who enlists Drebin’s help to investigate her brother’s murder. Anderson’s comedic timing shines in the trailer, particularly in a hilarious exchange where she misinterprets Drebin’s offer to “take a chair.” Other notable actors include Paul Walter Hauser as Captain Ed Hocken Jr., CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes, and Eddie Yu, promising a dynamic mix of comedy and charisma.
The film is helmed by director Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with The Lonely Island and projects like Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Schaffer co-wrote the script with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, who previously collaborated on the Emmy-winning Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy and Ted, serves as a producer, ensuring the film stays true to the zany spirit of the original Naked Gun films while updating the humor for a modern audience.
What the Trailer Reveals
The full trailer, released on June 16, 2025, gives fans a deeper look into the film’s plot and tone. Police Squad faces the threat of closure, with Drebin Jr. tasked by Commander CCH Pounder to solve a critical case to save the unit from being turned into a Spirit Halloween store. The trailer is packed with sight gags, including Neeson firing his weapon to skip a bathroom line, driving off with a charging cord still attached to a high-tech car (causing an explosion), and interrogating a character played by Busta Rhymes about serving “20 years for man’s laughter.”
The humor leans into the franchise’s tradition of rapid-fire gags and edgy satire, with a cheeky reference to O.J. Simpson’s Nordberg character that breaks the fourth wall. While the teaser trailer debuted at CinemaCon on April 3, 2025, the full trailer expands on the action-comedy aesthetic, blending glossy visuals with absurd scenarios, like Neeson in polkadot briefs and a schoolgirl uniform.
A Legacy Sequel with High Expectations
The Naked Gun franchise, which began with the 1988 film The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! and spawned two sequels, is beloved for its relentless humor and Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan delivery. The original films, based on the short-lived Police Squad! TV series by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, grossed over $476 million worldwide. However, David Zucker, the original director, expressed disappointment with the reboot’s teaser trailer, comparing watching it to an unpleasant viral video. Despite this, the creative team behind the reboot is confident in its fresh take, with Neeson and Anderson praising each other’s comedic performances.
Neeson, who admitted to being “slightly nervous” about taking on a comedic role, told ComingSoon.net that the script’s laugh-out-loud moments and Schaffer’s direction gave him confidence. Anderson, fresh off her acclaimed role in The Last Showgirl, described working with Neeson as a “cathartic experience” and praised his professionalism and humor.
Why This Reboot Could Be a Hit
The Naked Gun reboot arrives at a time when audiences are craving lighthearted, escapist entertainment. The trailer’s mix of nostalgic tributes and modern humor, combined with Neeson’s unexpected comedic turn, positions the film as a potential summer blockbuster. The involvement of Schaffer and MacFarlane, both comedy heavyweights, ensures the film will deliver the rapid-fire gags and clever parodies that made the original series a classic.
With a release date of August 1, 2025, The Naked Gun is poised to bring laughter to a new generation while honoring the legacy of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic detective. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this reboot promises to be a wild, hilarious ride.
Watch the Trailer and Mark Your Calendar
The full trailer for The Naked Gun is available online, offering a glimpse of Liam Neeson like you’ve never seen him before. Check it out to see Frank Drebin Jr. in action, from lollipop shivs to explosive mishaps. The film hits theaters on August 1, 2025, so mark your calendars for a summer comedy that’s sure to deliver “a particular set of skills” in laughs.
