The Naked Gun, which originally starred Leslie Nielsen, is one of the most beloved action comedy series of all time and a true genre classic in every possible way. The legendary actor died in 2010, but while he was definitely the main face of the franchise, it was confirmed in October 2022 that the franchise would be coming back and that Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson would be taking over Nielsen’s role in the upcoming reboot of the beloved franchise.
And while Neeson is definitely a great actor and a big name, as well as someone who has experience in action movies, it remains to be seen how the production side of the whole project will approach the reboot and what the new series will actually look like. But this is something for the future. What we have now is new casting info that has recently been revealed and which confirms that...
And while Neeson is definitely a great actor and a big name, as well as someone who has experience in action movies, it remains to be seen how the production side of the whole project will approach the reboot and what the new series will actually look like. But this is something for the future. What we have now is new casting info that has recently been revealed and which confirms that...
- 4/22/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
One of America's strangest celebrity sagas came to an abrupt, anticlimactic close when O.J. Simpson died at the age of 76 on April 10, 2024. The Heisman Trophy-winning running back from the University of Southern California became a professional football phenomenon during his 11-season tenure with the Buffalo Bills. He was blindingly handsome and charismatic, as comfortable in front of a camera as he was breaking tackles on the gridiron. Unlike Jim Brown, Simpson chose to keep playing football when he embarked on his acting career; and though Simpson was typically cast in supporting roles, they were often high-profile productions (namely the Best Picture-nominated "The Towering Inferno" and the Emmy-winning miniseries "Roots").
When Simpson retired, he continued to act while staying close to football as an on-field reporter for NBC. You never knew where The Juice was going to turn up, but you were never unhappy to see him. This was especially true...
When Simpson retired, he continued to act while staying close to football as an on-field reporter for NBC. You never knew where The Juice was going to turn up, but you were never unhappy to see him. This was especially true...
- 4/21/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The best things come in threes, especially stories. In Western nations, we like a three-act structure in which we set a status quo, watch our heroes fall, and then see them return to greatness. Some of these stories cannot be held within a single movie. For those epics, those monumental narratives, the movie trilogy was born. Trilogies represent some of the best that cinema has to offer, movies that changed the culture and the art form. The trilogy might vary in quality from film to film, but together these three films tell a story that cannot be ignored.
Before we get too far, let’s lay out our criteria. The trilogies chosen here are those intended to be a trilogy, either from the outset or by the end of the third film. Thus we’re including things such as the Toy Story and Indiana Jones trilogies, even though those continued on with further entries.
Before we get too far, let’s lay out our criteria. The trilogies chosen here are those intended to be a trilogy, either from the outset or by the end of the third film. Thus we’re including things such as the Toy Story and Indiana Jones trilogies, even though those continued on with further entries.
- 4/20/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
A long overdue reboot of The Naked Gun franchise is finally gaining momentum at Paramount and recent reports have revealed Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson as its leading stars.
Based on the crime spoof comedy film series, featuring O.J. Simpson alongside Leslie Nielsen, the remake has reportedly been in development since 2022. It is expected to revisit the humor and charm of the original 1988 film that launched the beloved franchise.
Liam Neeson (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Liam Neeson to Star Alongside Pamela Anderson in The Naked Gun Remake
Hollywood star Liam Neeson has been in conversation to headline The Naked Gun remake for a while. And recent reports have confirmed that the Taken actor will star in the upcoming remake alongside the Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.
Pamela Anderson is set to star in The Naked Gun remake (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Released between the 1980s and ’90s, The Naked Gun film...
Based on the crime spoof comedy film series, featuring O.J. Simpson alongside Leslie Nielsen, the remake has reportedly been in development since 2022. It is expected to revisit the humor and charm of the original 1988 film that launched the beloved franchise.
Liam Neeson (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Liam Neeson to Star Alongside Pamela Anderson in The Naked Gun Remake
Hollywood star Liam Neeson has been in conversation to headline The Naked Gun remake for a while. And recent reports have confirmed that the Taken actor will star in the upcoming remake alongside the Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.
Pamela Anderson is set to star in The Naked Gun remake (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Released between the 1980s and ’90s, The Naked Gun film...
- 4/17/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
‘Baywatch’ alumni Pamela Anderson has joined Liam Neeson in the forthcoming reboot of ‘Naked Gun’.
The movie is based on the ‘Naked Gun’ movie franchise which starred Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin. The original franchise was created by the creators of Paramount’s ‘Airplane!’, namely Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The Naked Gun trilogy was released during the early 1990s and was a big hit at the domestic box office, grossing over $216 million. Similar to Airplane!, the Naked Gun film series was famous for its outrageous parody, ridiculous set-ups, and on-screen sight gags.
Also in news – Pierce Brosnan set for Prince Naseem boxing biopic ‘Giant’
Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for the project. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
Anderson has previously...
The movie is based on the ‘Naked Gun’ movie franchise which starred Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin. The original franchise was created by the creators of Paramount’s ‘Airplane!’, namely Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The Naked Gun trilogy was released during the early 1990s and was a big hit at the domestic box office, grossing over $216 million. Similar to Airplane!, the Naked Gun film series was famous for its outrageous parody, ridiculous set-ups, and on-screen sight gags.
Also in news – Pierce Brosnan set for Prince Naseem boxing biopic ‘Giant’
Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for the project. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
Anderson has previously...
- 4/17/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
When 1980’s Airplane! proved to be a massive hit, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year – up there with The Empire Strikes Back and Best Picture winner Kramer vs. Kramer – it was inevitable that it would get a sequel. But how often are comedy sequels good anyway? When have they ever really recaptured the magic and the laughter of the original? Well, Airplane II: The Sequel gave it a go…by basically being the same movie. Except this time around, Zaz wisely opted out, leaving the production without the strong leaders who reinvented the spoof genre. Instead, they got the guy who wrote Grease 2, one of the most notoriously awful sequels ever! So, strap in – no, not to an airplane but a space shuttle – as we find out: Wtf Happened to This Movie?!…The Sequel!
1980’s Airplane! did incredibly well upon release, making just under $85 million on a $3.5 million budget,...
1980’s Airplane! did incredibly well upon release, making just under $85 million on a $3.5 million budget,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Pamela Anderson has joined Liam Neeson in the cast of 'The Naked Gun' reboot.The 'Baywatch' actress is set to play the love interest of Neeson's Frank Drebin Jr. – the son of Leslie Nielsen's protagonist Detective Frank Drebin from the original films – in the movie that is slated for release in July 2025.The role marks a return to film work for Pamela, 56, who has previously featured in pictures including 'Barb Wire', 'Scary Movie 3' and 'Superhero Movie'.Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing the film while he has also penned a draft of the script alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand – the writers of the hit Disney+ film 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers'.Liam recently confessed to feeling a "bit nervous" about the expectation that comes with reviving the spoof comedy franchise.The 'Taken' actor told MovieWeb.com: "I've done a couple of,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson are leading the cast of the brand new The Naked Gun movie, that’s arriving in 2025. More here.
Filming is getting underway imminently on the long, long in gestation new take on The Naked Gun. It’s been through several iterations this, as we charted here, but Paramount is now pressing ahead, with a summer 2025 release planned.
We already knew that Liam Neeson was taking on the role of Frank Drebin Jr, the son of the character made famous by the late Leslie Nielsen. We also know that Akiva Schaffer, he of the magnificent Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.
Now? Well, the headline of the article has taken all the suspense out of this. Still, Pamela Anderson has joined the ensemble, in a thus-far unnamed role. It’s fairly safe to assume she’s taking a female lead role in the movie, going where the...
Filming is getting underway imminently on the long, long in gestation new take on The Naked Gun. It’s been through several iterations this, as we charted here, but Paramount is now pressing ahead, with a summer 2025 release planned.
We already knew that Liam Neeson was taking on the role of Frank Drebin Jr, the son of the character made famous by the late Leslie Nielsen. We also know that Akiva Schaffer, he of the magnificent Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.
Now? Well, the headline of the article has taken all the suspense out of this. Still, Pamela Anderson has joined the ensemble, in a thus-far unnamed role. It’s fairly safe to assume she’s taking a female lead role in the movie, going where the...
- 4/17/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Find a place to display your beaver prominently and order some Titan condoms from Amazon because Pamela Anderson is joining Liam Neeson for The Naked Gun reboot. While today’s Deadline article fails to mention who Anderson is playing, we assume she’ll play the romantic lead opposite Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. Lisa Marie Presley played the love interest of Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin in the original comedy film, resulting in some unforgettable and hilarious moments and sight gags.
After filming 110 episodes of the jiggly action TV series Baywatch, Pamela Anderson is no stranger to comedy. In addition to running in slow motion alongside David Hasselhoff, Yasmine Bleeth, Jeremy Jackson, and more, Anderson starred in Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie. The Naked Gun reboot carries a lot of pressure from fans of the Leslie Nielsen-led trilogy, but I’ve got a great feeling about this inspired casting choice.
After filming 110 episodes of the jiggly action TV series Baywatch, Pamela Anderson is no stranger to comedy. In addition to running in slow motion alongside David Hasselhoff, Yasmine Bleeth, Jeremy Jackson, and more, Anderson starred in Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie. The Naked Gun reboot carries a lot of pressure from fans of the Leslie Nielsen-led trilogy, but I’ve got a great feeling about this inspired casting choice.
- 4/16/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Pamela Anderson will star opposite Liam Neeson in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun.
In the film, Neeson will take over the role of Sergeant Frank Drebin, famously played by Leslie Nielsen in the late 1980s and early 1990s. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anderson will portray Neeson’s character’s love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original films.
The new Naked Gun movie is co-written and directed by Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island), and is set for release on July 18th, 2025 through Paramount Pictures.
Anderson is also attached to star in The Last Showgirl, an upcoming film from Gia Coppola that features Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, and Kieran Shipka in its cast.
Pamela Anderson to Star with Liam Neeson in Naked Gun Movie
Scoop Harrison...
In the film, Neeson will take over the role of Sergeant Frank Drebin, famously played by Leslie Nielsen in the late 1980s and early 1990s. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anderson will portray Neeson’s character’s love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original films.
The new Naked Gun movie is co-written and directed by Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island), and is set for release on July 18th, 2025 through Paramount Pictures.
Anderson is also attached to star in The Last Showgirl, an upcoming film from Gia Coppola that features Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, and Kieran Shipka in its cast.
Pamela Anderson to Star with Liam Neeson in Naked Gun Movie
Scoop Harrison...
- 4/16/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
Pamela Anderson has landed a major movie role opposite Liam Neeson!
The pair will co-star in the untitled remake of the famed Naked Gun! The original 1988 film starred Leslie Nielsen as a “incompetent police Detective Frank Drebin” who tries to foil an assassination attempt against the Queen. Liam is set to play Frank Drebin in the new film, but plot details have not been disclosed at this time, THR reports.
Keep reading to find out more…
Pamela will be portraying a love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original movie.
So far, the film is set to be released on July 18, 2025. Akiva Schaffer is directing with Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins producing.
Pamela just recently wrapped filming another project!
The pair will co-star in the untitled remake of the famed Naked Gun! The original 1988 film starred Leslie Nielsen as a “incompetent police Detective Frank Drebin” who tries to foil an assassination attempt against the Queen. Liam is set to play Frank Drebin in the new film, but plot details have not been disclosed at this time, THR reports.
Keep reading to find out more…
Pamela will be portraying a love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original movie.
So far, the film is set to be released on July 18, 2025. Akiva Schaffer is directing with Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins producing.
Pamela just recently wrapped filming another project!
- 4/16/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Pamela Anderson is dressing up for Naked Gun.
The actor has signed on to star opposite Liam Neeson in Paramount Pictures’ untitled remake of Naked Gun, based on the crime spoof comedies that were released in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Akiva Schaffer is directing the comedy, which has a script by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand and Schaffer. The trio were behind the popular and Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
The original movie, written and directed by Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker and based on their television series Police Squad! that lasted only six episodes, spoofed the tropes of police shows and films that had ingrained themselves into audience’s minds over the decades. It centered on an inept and clueless detective named Frank Drebin, played by Leslie Nielsen, who still somehow managed to solve the crime and save the day.
Plot details are...
The actor has signed on to star opposite Liam Neeson in Paramount Pictures’ untitled remake of Naked Gun, based on the crime spoof comedies that were released in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Akiva Schaffer is directing the comedy, which has a script by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand and Schaffer. The trio were behind the popular and Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
The original movie, written and directed by Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker and based on their television series Police Squad! that lasted only six episodes, spoofed the tropes of police shows and films that had ingrained themselves into audience’s minds over the decades. It centered on an inept and clueless detective named Frank Drebin, played by Leslie Nielsen, who still somehow managed to solve the crime and save the day.
Plot details are...
- 4/16/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin was wrong: Cops and women do mix, and with that we have Pamela Anderson joining Liam Neeson in Paramount Pictures’ untitled Naked Gun reboot, which Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing for a July 18, 2025 theatrical release.
The Baywatch actress of 110 episodes has the comedy chops; she’s starred in such big-screen titles as Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie, both satirical movies ala the spirit of Naked Gun. Anderson also reprised her TV role of C.J. Parker in Paramount’s big-screen 2017 redux of Baywatch that starred Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario.
Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for Naked Gun. Gregor and Mand also wrote the Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing Naked via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
The movie...
The Baywatch actress of 110 episodes has the comedy chops; she’s starred in such big-screen titles as Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie, both satirical movies ala the spirit of Naked Gun. Anderson also reprised her TV role of C.J. Parker in Paramount’s big-screen 2017 redux of Baywatch that starred Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario.
Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for Naked Gun. Gregor and Mand also wrote the Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing Naked via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
The movie...
- 4/16/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Oj Simpson sparked some controversies after sharing his thoughts on Will Smith’s slapgate incident at the 2022 Oscars. Weighing in on the moment, Simpson shared a video on X in March 2022 to offer his opinion on the actor slapping Chris Rock at the event.
Former NFL player Oj Simpson | image: Wikimedia Commons
Claiming to apparently relate to Will Smith’s urge to physically react, the former NFL superstar, who had a history of domestic violence, stated how he often felt the desire to “slap a couple of those guys”. However, eventually, Oj Simpson signed off by clarifying that no matter the urge, Will Smith was wrong to slap Chris Rock at a global event.
Oj Simpson Reacted to Will Smith’s Slapgate at the Oscars
Former NFL player Oj Simpson, who was arrested for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman, via IndieWire, had...
Former NFL player Oj Simpson | image: Wikimedia Commons
Claiming to apparently relate to Will Smith’s urge to physically react, the former NFL superstar, who had a history of domestic violence, stated how he often felt the desire to “slap a couple of those guys”. However, eventually, Oj Simpson signed off by clarifying that no matter the urge, Will Smith was wrong to slap Chris Rock at a global event.
Oj Simpson Reacted to Will Smith’s Slapgate at the Oscars
Former NFL player Oj Simpson, who was arrested for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman, via IndieWire, had...
- 4/12/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
O.J. Simpson was known for a flourishing football career followed by a court trial that was watched by millions of people around the world. Being an iconic footballer with a murder trial to his name, Simpson became a household name.
Sacha Baron Cohen with O.J. Simpson in a still from Who Is America?
The footballer recently passed away on 10th April after a battle with prostate cancer and the world is coming to terms with it. Two months before he died, Simpson posted a video on his X (formerly Twitter) and admitted to having some struggle with his health.
O.J. Simpson Admitted That All Was Not Well Two Months Before His Death!
It was a known fact that Simpson had been dealing and fighting cancer since he announced it in 2023. The footballer had stated that he would eventually beat the cancer and overcome his problems.
O.J. Simpson...
Sacha Baron Cohen with O.J. Simpson in a still from Who Is America?
The footballer recently passed away on 10th April after a battle with prostate cancer and the world is coming to terms with it. Two months before he died, Simpson posted a video on his X (formerly Twitter) and admitted to having some struggle with his health.
O.J. Simpson Admitted That All Was Not Well Two Months Before His Death!
It was a known fact that Simpson had been dealing and fighting cancer since he announced it in 2023. The footballer had stated that he would eventually beat the cancer and overcome his problems.
O.J. Simpson...
- 4/12/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
As you've likely heard by now, O.J. Simpson has passed away at the age of 76.
One of the most famous -- and infamous -- Americans of the modern era, Simpson was known for many things:
He was, of course, a world-class athlete, a standout at running back for the NFL's Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
Later in life, he would become the center of the most high-profile murder trial of the 20th century,
And though he beat the charges under dubious circumstances, the lingering suspicion that Simpson murdered his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, would make him a pariah in the upper-crust social circles that had served as his comfortable domain for so many years.
But before O.J. ever earned a dime from professional football -- before he was arrested for murder and before he served nine years in prison on unrelated robbery and...
One of the most famous -- and infamous -- Americans of the modern era, Simpson was known for many things:
He was, of course, a world-class athlete, a standout at running back for the NFL's Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
Later in life, he would become the center of the most high-profile murder trial of the 20th century,
And though he beat the charges under dubious circumstances, the lingering suspicion that Simpson murdered his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, would make him a pariah in the upper-crust social circles that had served as his comfortable domain for so many years.
But before O.J. ever earned a dime from professional football -- before he was arrested for murder and before he served nine years in prison on unrelated robbery and...
- 4/11/2024
- by Tyler Johnson
- TVfanatic
Edgar Burcksen, a veteran TV and film editor who won an Emmy for The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, worked at Industrial Light & Magic and was a longtime American Cinema Editors board member, has died. He was 76.
Innovative Artists said he died April 7 in Los Angeles from complications of a heart attack.
A Holland native, Burcksen began his career editing features in Amsterdam and won the Golden Calf at the Nederlands Film Festival. He moved to California in 1985 and was supervising editor for more than 50 episodes of Seabert, a cartoon series that aired Saturday mornings in France and later aired on HBO.
Burcksen then was hired at Colossal Pictures in San Francisco, where he worked on commercials for the likes of Disney and Budweiser and on music videos for Thomas Dolby and the Grateful Dead, during the legendary band’s late-’80s commercial resurgence.
An early backer of non-linear editing, Burcksen then joined Industrial Light & Magic,...
Innovative Artists said he died April 7 in Los Angeles from complications of a heart attack.
A Holland native, Burcksen began his career editing features in Amsterdam and won the Golden Calf at the Nederlands Film Festival. He moved to California in 1985 and was supervising editor for more than 50 episodes of Seabert, a cartoon series that aired Saturday mornings in France and later aired on HBO.
Burcksen then was hired at Colossal Pictures in San Francisco, where he worked on commercials for the likes of Disney and Budweiser and on music videos for Thomas Dolby and the Grateful Dead, during the legendary band’s late-’80s commercial resurgence.
An early backer of non-linear editing, Burcksen then joined Industrial Light & Magic,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
There are not a lot of actors in Hollywood whose presence itself on-screen exudes badassery. Liam Neeson has carved a unique niche for himself in the film industry, where directors and producers look up to him for serious roles. From Schindler’s List to Batman Begins, the actor has carefully picked feathers for his cap that are a testament to his effervescent acting abilities.
However, he often goes offbeat and picks up projects that show off a different side to his demanding presence on the silver screen, like he is about to do in his upcoming The Naked Gun Reboot.
Liam Neeson with Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Episode I
But before we talk about the rebooted crime spoof-comedy, let’s have a look at the franchise that established Neeson as the tough-as-nails character in Hollywood. The Taken series remains one of the most beloved and successful action franchises to this day,...
However, he often goes offbeat and picks up projects that show off a different side to his demanding presence on the silver screen, like he is about to do in his upcoming The Naked Gun Reboot.
Liam Neeson with Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Episode I
But before we talk about the rebooted crime spoof-comedy, let’s have a look at the franchise that established Neeson as the tough-as-nails character in Hollywood. The Taken series remains one of the most beloved and successful action franchises to this day,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Sayantan Choudhary
- FandomWire
Liam Neeson is (emotionally) baring all ahead of leading the “Naked Gun” reboot.
The actor told ComingSoon.com that he feels “slightly nervous” about leading a sequel to the iconic comedy films. Neeson says he knows his comedy chops have “to be proven.”
“It has to be proven,” Neeson said of said chops. “So I’m slightly nervous of it. A little Stephen Colbert sketch or Ricky Gervais, I’m Ok because it’s short. But a whole film, we’ll see. We’ll see.”
The original “Naked Gun” films starred Leslie Nielsen as hapless detective Frank Drebin whose cases always become a comedy of errors. The films were a spinoff from short-lived ’80s TV series “Police Squad!” In the new movie, due out next year, Neeson will play the son of Nielsen’s character in a sequel directed by “SNL” and Lonely Island alum Akiva Schaffer, with Seth MacFarlane producing.
The actor told ComingSoon.com that he feels “slightly nervous” about leading a sequel to the iconic comedy films. Neeson says he knows his comedy chops have “to be proven.”
“It has to be proven,” Neeson said of said chops. “So I’m slightly nervous of it. A little Stephen Colbert sketch or Ricky Gervais, I’m Ok because it’s short. But a whole film, we’ll see. We’ll see.”
The original “Naked Gun” films starred Leslie Nielsen as hapless detective Frank Drebin whose cases always become a comedy of errors. The films were a spinoff from short-lived ’80s TV series “Police Squad!” In the new movie, due out next year, Neeson will play the son of Nielsen’s character in a sequel directed by “SNL” and Lonely Island alum Akiva Schaffer, with Seth MacFarlane producing.
- 4/1/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It may seem sacrilegious to reboot The Naked Gun, but if anyone can fill the brilliantly deadpan shoes of Leslie Nielsen, it will be Liam Neeson. The actor has been attached to the reboot for a few years, but the project finally seems to be moving forward, with production expected to kick off later this year.
While speaking with THR, Liam Neeson was asked why he wanted to tackle a flat-out comedy such as The Naked Gun.
“It’s funny because right before Christmas, my sons and I were looking through the Academy screeners and trying to find something silly, some silly, stupid movie that we could giggle at,” Neeson explained. “There was none, of course, as they were all very heavy and international. I mean, brilliant movies but all very heavy. When Seth MacFarlane approached me about it — this was about two years ago, now — I thought, yeah, I...
While speaking with THR, Liam Neeson was asked why he wanted to tackle a flat-out comedy such as The Naked Gun.
“It’s funny because right before Christmas, my sons and I were looking through the Academy screeners and trying to find something silly, some silly, stupid movie that we could giggle at,” Neeson explained. “There was none, of course, as they were all very heavy and international. I mean, brilliant movies but all very heavy. When Seth MacFarlane approached me about it — this was about two years ago, now — I thought, yeah, I...
- 3/27/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“Hopefully my other cast members will be funny and sexy,” says Liam Neeson, expressing how nervous he is about starring in The Naked Gun remake.
You’d think that after conquering the world of action cinema, everything else would seem like a doddle, but for Liam Neeson, that isn’t the case. Following 2008’s Taken, the world became thoroughly convinced of Liam Neeson’s ‘hard man’ bona fides.
With long-standing success in that genre now secured, could Neeson be plotting a similar career trajectory to the one Tom Cruise is said to be charting? That means making a few smart choices to gradually move away from action by working with auteur directors in a carefully-staged bid to remind the world of his dramatic chops as an actor.
The answer, of course, is no. Instead, Neeson is heading to the world of absurdist comedy in a remake of 1988’s The Naked Gun.
You’d think that after conquering the world of action cinema, everything else would seem like a doddle, but for Liam Neeson, that isn’t the case. Following 2008’s Taken, the world became thoroughly convinced of Liam Neeson’s ‘hard man’ bona fides.
With long-standing success in that genre now secured, could Neeson be plotting a similar career trajectory to the one Tom Cruise is said to be charting? That means making a few smart choices to gradually move away from action by working with auteur directors in a carefully-staged bid to remind the world of his dramatic chops as an actor.
The answer, of course, is no. Instead, Neeson is heading to the world of absurdist comedy in a remake of 1988’s The Naked Gun.
- 3/26/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Leslie Nielsen famously flipped his career 180 degrees when he started working with the Zuckers — David and Jerry — on the 1980 comedy Airplane! Nielsen was a seasoned dramatic actor who took his serious demeanor and used it to deliver the silliest of lines in a dry manner, resulting in some of the greatest comedy performances. Nielsen was able to become a leading man late in his career in The Naked Gun series, which would then spin him off into more leading roles in similar comedies, which would not necessarily be made by the Zuckers.
Enter Liam Neeson. The thespian has already reinvented himself when the former dramatic actor starred in 2008’s Taken, which showed that he could use his tall stature in the action genre. Neeson’s acting route would eventually land him in some comedy roles, including a self-parody guest spot on Life’s Too Short and working with Seth MacFarlane on...
Enter Liam Neeson. The thespian has already reinvented himself when the former dramatic actor starred in 2008’s Taken, which showed that he could use his tall stature in the action genre. Neeson’s acting route would eventually land him in some comedy roles, including a self-parody guest spot on Life’s Too Short and working with Seth MacFarlane on...
- 3/25/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
After years of rumors and speculation, Liam Neeson’s Naked Gun reboot looks like it is finally heading into production. Set to be directed by The Lonely Island’s Akiva Schaffer, and written by Dan Gregor and Doug Man, fans expect a lot from this reboot. While many have tried (and failed) to update the franchise, and it’s hard to imagine anyone stepping into Leslie Nielsen’s iconic shoes at Lt. Frank Drebin, it’s pretty interesting that the team pairing on this is the same one that teamed on Disney’s much better than expected reboot of Chip n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers. All involved are really funny, so if anyone could make this work, it’s them. With a release date tentatively set for July 18th, 2025, here’s everything we know about the Naked Gun reboot.
Liam Neeson will be the star.
While some may wonder why Liam Neeson,...
Liam Neeson will be the star.
While some may wonder why Liam Neeson,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Anatomy of a Fall actress Sandra Hüller could be making a roast for Akiva Schaffer’s The Naked Gun reboot, so how hot and wet do you like it? A report from industry insider Daniel Richtman says Sandra Hüller is in talks to play the romantic lead in the forthcoming comedy, starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin from the Police Squad series and Naked Gun film trilogy.
In the Naked Gun trilogy, Lt. Frank Drebin falls in love with Jane Spencer (Lisa Marie Presley), an assistant for industrialist Vincent Ludwig, utterly unaware of his villainy. After a slapstick-ridden meet-cute, Frank and Jane form a heated courtship accompanied by steamy home-cooked meals, ultra-protected sex, and trips to the baseball field.
How Liam Neeson and Hüller’s characters cross paths in the Naked Gun reboot remains a mystery. We must also wait...
In the Naked Gun trilogy, Lt. Frank Drebin falls in love with Jane Spencer (Lisa Marie Presley), an assistant for industrialist Vincent Ludwig, utterly unaware of his villainy. After a slapstick-ridden meet-cute, Frank and Jane form a heated courtship accompanied by steamy home-cooked meals, ultra-protected sex, and trips to the baseball field.
How Liam Neeson and Hüller’s characters cross paths in the Naked Gun reboot remains a mystery. We must also wait...
- 3/20/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
It was announced all the way back in 2022 that Paramount was going to be remaking "Naked Gun" with Liam Neeson as the star. There was little movement on the project in terms of additional cast members or a projected release window throughout all of 2023, leading many to believe the film had been scrapped or entered a new circle of Hollywood production hell. While many view the "Naked Gun" films as sacred comedy texts that dare not be remade, it's happening, and there's a pretty incredible team behind it. The "Naked Gun" films famously changed the trajectory of star Leslie Nielsen's career, so perhaps the new film could do the same for the gruff, action antics of Neeson. We're still quite a ways away from the release of the film, so here's everything you need to know about the upcoming remake.
Read more: The 15 Best Comedy Duos Of All Time...
Read more: The 15 Best Comedy Duos Of All Time...
- 3/6/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The Princess Bride is arguably one of the most influential films of all time. Based on the 1973 novel of the same name, the 1987 film often ranks among the best films of all time, and all of its cast members, including Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin continue to receive recognition for their roles even today.
Liam Neeson in Silence
However, actor Liam Neeson, who is slated to lead a Naked Gun reboot, could have ended up in the iconic film’s cast. During an interview, Neeson spoke about auditioning for a role in the movie. However, Neeson went on to lose the role to one of the most popular wrestlers of the 80s and had to make his name elsewhere. Here is what Neeson revealed about losing the role in The Princess Bride.
SUGGESTEDJamie Dornan Steals the Spotlight After Liam Neeson Shares a Heartwarming Childhood Story About Dakota Johnson...
Liam Neeson in Silence
However, actor Liam Neeson, who is slated to lead a Naked Gun reboot, could have ended up in the iconic film’s cast. During an interview, Neeson spoke about auditioning for a role in the movie. However, Neeson went on to lose the role to one of the most popular wrestlers of the 80s and had to make his name elsewhere. Here is what Neeson revealed about losing the role in The Princess Bride.
SUGGESTEDJamie Dornan Steals the Spotlight After Liam Neeson Shares a Heartwarming Childhood Story About Dakota Johnson...
- 2/29/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
The Naked Gun, also known as Police Squad!, is an American crime spoof-comedy franchise. Having started in 1982 with the TV series Police Squad! aired on the ABC Network, the franchise includes one TV series and three movies, adapted from an original story written by the comedy filmmaking trio Jim Abrahams, and brothers David and Jerry Zucker.
The lead role of Detective Sergeant Franklin ‘Frank’ Drebin in The Naked Gun is played by the late actor Leslie Nielsen. Several other characters appear in the films. One of them is Detective Fred Nordberg, who is portrayed by O. J. Simpson. Recently, creator David Zucker revealed why he had Simpson play the role of Nordberg.
A still from The Naked Gun (1988)
David Zucker on Why O. J. Simpson Was Cast in the Role of Detective Nordberg
O. J. Simpson is a former football running back who played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He...
The lead role of Detective Sergeant Franklin ‘Frank’ Drebin in The Naked Gun is played by the late actor Leslie Nielsen. Several other characters appear in the films. One of them is Detective Fred Nordberg, who is portrayed by O. J. Simpson. Recently, creator David Zucker revealed why he had Simpson play the role of Nordberg.
A still from The Naked Gun (1988)
David Zucker on Why O. J. Simpson Was Cast in the Role of Detective Nordberg
O. J. Simpson is a former football running back who played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He...
- 2/29/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
It’s definite: there’s a new The Naked Gun film on the way, and Paramount has given it a summer 2025 release date. More here.
Well, this has been a long, long, long time coming. We’ve covered before Paramount Pictures’ attempt to get fourth The Naked Gun film moving. At first with the late Leslie Nielsen involved, and then after he passed, for a while it looked like Ed Helms was going to take on the lead role.
Now, it seems that Liam Neeson is to play the son of Nielsen’s Lieutenant Frank Drebin in whatever the new The Naked Gun movie ends up being called.
I’m one of many who’s not been won over yet by the idea of a new The Naked Gun film, but on the flip side, there are some positives. Notably the personnel behind the camera: Akiva Schaffer has previously directed...
Well, this has been a long, long, long time coming. We’ve covered before Paramount Pictures’ attempt to get fourth The Naked Gun film moving. At first with the late Leslie Nielsen involved, and then after he passed, for a while it looked like Ed Helms was going to take on the lead role.
Now, it seems that Liam Neeson is to play the son of Nielsen’s Lieutenant Frank Drebin in whatever the new The Naked Gun movie ends up being called.
I’m one of many who’s not been won over yet by the idea of a new The Naked Gun film, but on the flip side, there are some positives. Notably the personnel behind the camera: Akiva Schaffer has previously directed...
- 2/29/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Liam Neeson is going to try out a different particular set of skills. The “Taken” star will take a pratfall into slapstick comedy in an upcoming reboot of “The Naked Gun,” the supremely silly parody franchise about cops. On Wednesday, Paramount set a July 18, 2025 release date for the movie, Variety reports.
The film, which is currently untitled, will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer, Emmy-winning director of “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” and member of the musical comedy group The Lonely Island. Schaffer wrote the script with “Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers” writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”) and Erica Huggins (“Ted”) are producing through their company Fuzzy Door.
“The Naked Gun” franchise was created by the comedy team of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker with the 1982 TV series “Police Squad!”, which starred Leslie Nielsen as a dimwitted detective named Frank Drebin.
The film, which is currently untitled, will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer, Emmy-winning director of “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” and member of the musical comedy group The Lonely Island. Schaffer wrote the script with “Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers” writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”) and Erica Huggins (“Ted”) are producing through their company Fuzzy Door.
“The Naked Gun” franchise was created by the comedy team of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker with the 1982 TV series “Police Squad!”, which starred Leslie Nielsen as a dimwitted detective named Frank Drebin.
- 2/28/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
Are you ready for the return of bumbling detective Frank Drebin to the big screen? Wait, chances are if you are under 35 you have no idea what we’re referring to. The character was a masterstroke of deadpan humor played by Leslie Nielsen in three motion pictures beginning with “The Naked Gun: From The Files of Police Squad!” in 1988. Today, Paramount Pictures revealed the long-rumored reboot starring Liam Neeson will arrive in theaters on July 18, 2025.
Continue reading Liam Neeson’s ‘Naked Gun’ Reboot Set For July 2025 at The Playlist.
Continue reading Liam Neeson’s ‘Naked Gun’ Reboot Set For July 2025 at The Playlist.
- 2/28/2024
- by The Playlist Staff
- The Playlist
Paramount is polishing its crystal ball today and looking ahead at some of the films from the studio in the next few years. At least, that’s how it feels when Paramount earnings day comes along. The studio announced a 0.6% increase in stock today, with various release date announcements to whet investor’s whistles. Among the titles mentioned during today’s report, Paramount put dates on projects like Liam Neeson’s Naked Gun reboot, a sequel to 2023’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and more.
The Naked Gun reboot pratfalls into theaters on July 18, 2025, with Liam Neeson starring in the comedic role made famous by the late Leslie Neilsen. Akiva Schaffer directs, and executive produces the Naked Gun reboot, with Dan Gregor and Doug Man writing the script draft alongside Schaffer. One of the reasons this is exciting is that the trio partnered for the way-better-than-anticipated Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers film.
The Naked Gun reboot pratfalls into theaters on July 18, 2025, with Liam Neeson starring in the comedic role made famous by the late Leslie Neilsen. Akiva Schaffer directs, and executive produces the Naked Gun reboot, with Dan Gregor and Doug Man writing the script draft alongside Schaffer. One of the reasons this is exciting is that the trio partnered for the way-better-than-anticipated Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers film.
- 2/28/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Paramount Pictures has set a release date for its much-delayed The Naked Gun reboot, which will now land in theaters on July 15th, 2025, per Variety.
Starring Liam Neeson, the currently untitled remake will be directed and executive produced by The Lonely Island’s Avika Schaffer, who co-wrote the script with the writing duo of Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing the film through their company Fuzzy Door. Not much else is known about the project at this time.
“It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction,” Neeson previously joked to People (The TV Show) about the role. “I honestly don’t know.”
Born out of the short-lived 1982 crime spoof series Police Squad!, The Naked Gun franchise originally centered around the late Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling police sergeant Frank Drebin. It began in 1988 with the first film, From the Files of Police Squad!
Starring Liam Neeson, the currently untitled remake will be directed and executive produced by The Lonely Island’s Avika Schaffer, who co-wrote the script with the writing duo of Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing the film through their company Fuzzy Door. Not much else is known about the project at this time.
“It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction,” Neeson previously joked to People (The TV Show) about the role. “I honestly don’t know.”
Born out of the short-lived 1982 crime spoof series Police Squad!, The Naked Gun franchise originally centered around the late Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling police sergeant Frank Drebin. It began in 1988 with the first film, From the Files of Police Squad!
- 2/28/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Did you forget that there's a reboot of the parody franchise "The Naked Gun" in the works at Paramount Pictures? Not only is the project still happening, but Paramount Pictures has announced an official release date for the comedy revamp: July 15, 2025. That means cameras should be rolling this year if they haven't already started production without us knowing.
"The Naked Gun" followed Leslie Nielsen as bumbling Los Angeles detective Frank Drebin as he encountered various plots of crime and intrigue, often getting into outlandish, slapstick situations. Based on the short-lived spoof series "The Police Squad!" that aired on ABC in 1982, the film series was infinitely more successful, resulting in two sequels that became solid box office hits. With all the nostalgia there is for rebooting previously successful titles, it was only a matter of time before Paramount circled back around to "The Naked Gun."
However, with studios sparsely taking risks on big-screen comedies,...
"The Naked Gun" followed Leslie Nielsen as bumbling Los Angeles detective Frank Drebin as he encountered various plots of crime and intrigue, often getting into outlandish, slapstick situations. Based on the short-lived spoof series "The Police Squad!" that aired on ABC in 1982, the film series was infinitely more successful, resulting in two sequels that became solid box office hits. With all the nostalgia there is for rebooting previously successful titles, it was only a matter of time before Paramount circled back around to "The Naked Gun."
However, with studios sparsely taking risks on big-screen comedies,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
A Naked Gun reboot that’s long been teased finally has a release date. The cop comedy will star Liam Neeson, though it’s not clear if he’ll play Frank Drebin himself or a new character connected to the wacky detective made famous by the late comedy legend Leslie Nielsen. The Naked Gun reboot will come out in theaters on July 15, 2025, Paramount announced Wednesday, February 28 (per Variety). The so-far untitled film will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer. Schaffer co-wrote the draft script with Dan Gregor and Doug Man, the writing team behind the live-action and animation hybrid Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins produce through their production house Fuzzy Door. The Naked Gun came out in 1988 and tracked Nielsen as Frank Drebin, an incompetent police detective who must foil a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II by turning innocent people into assassins through mind control.
- 2/28/2024
- TV Insider
The Naked Gun reboot is about to make 2025 a good year.
Paramount Pictures announced release dates Wednesday for a number of upcoming films. This includes director Akiva Schaffer’s new untitled installment in the Naked Gun comedy franchise hitting theaters July 28, 2025. The movie, first announced back in 2022, stars Liam Neeson and includes Seth MacFarlane as a producer.
The studio also announced that Paw Patrol 3 will launch July 31, 2026, as a follow-up to the studio’s September sequel Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie that topped $200 million globally. The new film hails from Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies. Another animation feature — director Jeff Rowe’s Tmnt 2 — is set for Oct. 9, 2026, as a follow-up to the filmmaker’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which came out last August and collected $180 million worldwide.
Among other titles landing on the studio’s calendar is Novocaine starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder, set...
Paramount Pictures announced release dates Wednesday for a number of upcoming films. This includes director Akiva Schaffer’s new untitled installment in the Naked Gun comedy franchise hitting theaters July 28, 2025. The movie, first announced back in 2022, stars Liam Neeson and includes Seth MacFarlane as a producer.
The studio also announced that Paw Patrol 3 will launch July 31, 2026, as a follow-up to the studio’s September sequel Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie that topped $200 million globally. The new film hails from Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies. Another animation feature — director Jeff Rowe’s Tmnt 2 — is set for Oct. 9, 2026, as a follow-up to the filmmaker’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which came out last August and collected $180 million worldwide.
Among other titles landing on the studio’s calendar is Novocaine starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder, set...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
1956's "Forbidden Planet" follows a crew of astronauts traveling the galaxy in a flying saucer. While visiting planet Altair IV, they find a scientist and his daughter (Anne Francis) living alone on this deserted world — and realize they are hiding something.
Directed by Fred M. Wilcox and starring a young Leslie Nielsen, "Forbidden Planets looks like a kitschy B-movie today — and in a way it always was, but it was also a trailblazer. It was one of the first films to show humans in the distant future flying around in faster-than-light starships. Without "Forbidden Planet," there would be no "Star Wars" or "Star Trek."
While the Enterprise has an underbelly and nacelles beneath its saucer head, the "Forbidden Planet" ship (the C-57D) is a simple flying saucer — except this UFO is operated by humans, not aliens. The ship and the other effects got the "Forbidden Planet" special effects team an Oscar nomination.
Directed by Fred M. Wilcox and starring a young Leslie Nielsen, "Forbidden Planets looks like a kitschy B-movie today — and in a way it always was, but it was also a trailblazer. It was one of the first films to show humans in the distant future flying around in faster-than-light starships. Without "Forbidden Planet," there would be no "Star Wars" or "Star Trek."
While the Enterprise has an underbelly and nacelles beneath its saucer head, the "Forbidden Planet" ship (the C-57D) is a simple flying saucer — except this UFO is operated by humans, not aliens. The ship and the other effects got the "Forbidden Planet" special effects team an Oscar nomination.
- 2/10/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
The joke that makes The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear great is relatively subtle. In fact, as a child, watching this movie over and over again, it went over my head. Only recently, after releasing the episode of Revisited dedicated to the original Naked Gun and discussing the sequels with a friend, did he clue me in on why the sequel is so funny. The whole point of the movie is that the bad guys, a conglomerate of nuclear, coal and oil industry baddies, want to prevent Richard Griffith’s Dr Meinheimer from presenting a speech to the president urging a change to the country’s oil policy. Meinheimer is kidnapped and replaced by a double to stop this speech from happening. Our hero, Leslie Nielsen’s Frank Drebin, has to save Meinheimer so he can present his speech, which he eventually does. But, the best...
- 2/4/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Exciting things are happening on Live with Kelly and Mark lately. Every day seems to come with another new announcement for fans.
The other day, Kelly and Mark announced that Live will host the famous After the Oscars show on March 11, 2024, from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
Fans had just enough time to get over that move’s excitement and decide if a trip to LA was within the budget to sit in some of the same seats celebrities sat in the night before. Maybe some stardust will rub off on the audience.
This time, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos were eager to share that the show is teaming up with a new theater, the BleauLive Theater, for four shows over two days.
This is coming up even quicker than the After the Oscars Party show. It is February 26-27, and the audience can get tickets to the show if they want.
The other day, Kelly and Mark announced that Live will host the famous After the Oscars show on March 11, 2024, from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
Fans had just enough time to get over that move’s excitement and decide if a trip to LA was within the budget to sit in some of the same seats celebrities sat in the night before. Maybe some stardust will rub off on the audience.
This time, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos were eager to share that the show is teaming up with a new theater, the BleauLive Theater, for four shows over two days.
This is coming up even quicker than the After the Oscars Party show. It is February 26-27, and the audience can get tickets to the show if they want.
- 1/31/2024
- by Pamela Roy
- Monsters and Critics
Seth Macfarlane has confirmed that the new The Naked Gun has survived the chaos of last year’s strikes and is still in development.
In 2021, it was announced that Seth Macfarlane would be taking on a reboot/remake of The Naked Gun films, the beloved police spoofs that starred the great Leslie Nielsen (for which there was once an official fourth movie planned too – we wrote about here). None other than Liam Neeson was attached to star (after Ed Helms had been linked for years) and we all sat back to see just what would unfold.
Even Liam Neeson himself seemed somewhat bemused by the turn of events, stating “It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction. I honestly don’t know.”
Things moved pretty slowly throughout 2022 and then in 2023 we had months of chaos as the strikes in Hollywood sank lots of projects that were in development.
In 2021, it was announced that Seth Macfarlane would be taking on a reboot/remake of The Naked Gun films, the beloved police spoofs that starred the great Leslie Nielsen (for which there was once an official fourth movie planned too – we wrote about here). None other than Liam Neeson was attached to star (after Ed Helms had been linked for years) and we all sat back to see just what would unfold.
Even Liam Neeson himself seemed somewhat bemused by the turn of events, stating “It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction. I honestly don’t know.”
Things moved pretty slowly throughout 2022 and then in 2023 we had months of chaos as the strikes in Hollywood sank lots of projects that were in development.
- 1/8/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Riggs and Murtagh. Tango and Cash. Starsky and Hutch. John McClane. Frank Bullitt. Dirty Harry Callahan. While those are all tough movie cops, none of them are as hard as nails was perhaps the toughest, most dangerous movie cop of all time… Frank Drebin as played by Leslie Nielsen in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Jump back to 1980. Leslie Nielsen was a character actor known for playing deadpan, ultra-serious roles. He was typically the bad guy of the week on TV shows and TV movies, and his biggest claim to fame was playing the captain in 1956s Forbidden Planet. His career was middling; David Zucker, Jim Abrams and Jerry Zucker, aka Zaz – Zucker-Abrams-Zucker – wanted to cast him in their movie Airplane. He would play the third lead, a deadpan doctor who would perfectly ape similar roles he played in movies like The Poseidon Adventure. While the studio initially balked,...
Jump back to 1980. Leslie Nielsen was a character actor known for playing deadpan, ultra-serious roles. He was typically the bad guy of the week on TV shows and TV movies, and his biggest claim to fame was playing the captain in 1956s Forbidden Planet. His career was middling; David Zucker, Jim Abrams and Jerry Zucker, aka Zaz – Zucker-Abrams-Zucker – wanted to cast him in their movie Airplane. He would play the third lead, a deadpan doctor who would perfectly ape similar roles he played in movies like The Poseidon Adventure. While the studio initially balked,...
- 1/2/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
When the 1962-1963 American television season kicked off, there was a notable absence on CBS' schedule: "The Twilight Zone" had been bumped from its Friday 10 Pm timeslot and replaced by a new sitcom titled "Fair Exchange." This was quite the blow to its devoted fans, who adored the series for its unusually heady treatment of the science fiction, horror, and suspense genres. Though that itch would get scratched by the debut of ABC's "The Outer Limits," viewers looked forward to embarking on mind-bending journeys once a week with the show's creator and frequent writer Rod Serling.
Fortunately, CBS had no plans to cancel "The Twilight Zone." The show just needed to find a new sponsor before it could once again haunt the airwaves. Once this issue got settled, CBS was keen to trumpet its January 1963 return in any way it could -- and it hit upon a brilliant bit of...
Fortunately, CBS had no plans to cancel "The Twilight Zone." The show just needed to find a new sponsor before it could once again haunt the airwaves. Once this issue got settled, CBS was keen to trumpet its January 1963 return in any way it could -- and it hit upon a brilliant bit of...
- 1/1/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Oj Simpson was originally cast as The Terminator.The ex-NFL star-turned actor, who had roles in films including ‘The Naked Gun’ film trilogy, was set to play the cyborg in James Cameron’s 1984 sci-fi classic, according to Arnold Schwarzenegger, 76, who landed the role.Arnie told the ‘Smartless’ podcast about how he had originally been cast as rebel soldier Kyle Reese instead of The Terminator: “I think Oj Simpson was cast, not yet a contract signed, but was cast already to play The Terminator.“So Cameron was trying to talk me into playing the Terminator and I said, ‘Nah, I want to play Reese.’“He said, ‘No, you understand the Terminator. You talk about how he has to walk and turn his head like a machine. That’s exactly what he has to do.’ “Anyway, he talked me into it.”Arnie added Oj was bumped from the project after...
- 12/30/2023
- by BANG Showbiz Reporter
- Bang Showbiz
Writer Pat Proft says he’s “blocked” from Naked Gun 4, as he and director David Zucker discuss the planned sequel.
The original The Naked Gun film, starring the much-missed Leslie Nielsen, is remarkably celebrating its 35th birthday. And The Hollywood Reporter has celebrated in time honoured fashioned by chatting to some of the team behind it.
Specifically, co-writer and director David Zucker, and co-writer Pat Proft.
The full piece is here, and there’s much to munch on for the (many) fans of the original film. But towards the end, talk turns to the planned fourth Naked Gun film, that Paramount has in development.
The current plan for Naked Gun 4, which it won’t be called, is for Liam Neeson to play Frank Drebin, with Seth McFarlane producing and the terrific Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) directing.
See also: Naked Gun 4 | The story of the lost sequel, featuring...
The original The Naked Gun film, starring the much-missed Leslie Nielsen, is remarkably celebrating its 35th birthday. And The Hollywood Reporter has celebrated in time honoured fashioned by chatting to some of the team behind it.
Specifically, co-writer and director David Zucker, and co-writer Pat Proft.
The full piece is here, and there’s much to munch on for the (many) fans of the original film. But towards the end, talk turns to the planned fourth Naked Gun film, that Paramount has in development.
The current plan for Naked Gun 4, which it won’t be called, is for Liam Neeson to play Frank Drebin, with Seth McFarlane producing and the terrific Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) directing.
See also: Naked Gun 4 | The story of the lost sequel, featuring...
- 12/22/2023
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Created by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, the TV series Police Squad! only ran for six episodes back in 1982, but it spawned a popular film franchise that so far consists of three films: The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, The Naked Gun 21⁄2: The Smell of Fear, and Naked Gun 331⁄3: The Final Insult, all three of which had Pat Proft on board as a screenwriter. When it was announced that a straight-to-video sequel called The Naked Gun 4: Rhythm of Evil was moving ahead in 2009 with none of the original creative team involved, that original creative team didn’t react well. That movie didn’t make it into production, but now that a reboot of The Naked Gun is moving forward at Paramount with Akiva Schaffer set to direct the film from a screenplay by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, Mark Hentemann, Alec Sulkin, and producer Seth MacFarlane,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
‘Naked Gun’ Turns 35: Team on Adapting Failed TV Series, Leslie Nielsen’s Magic, Reboot Frustrations
Turning a short-lived parody TV series into a feature film was always going to involve taking a chance, but as the team behind the Naked Gun franchise learned, it wasn’t quite on the level of sticking your face in a fan.
Following the breakout success of the 1980 smash hit Airplane!, that film’s writer-director team — David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker — found themselves grounded when ABC promptly canceled their police-spoofing show Police Squad! in 1982. But the series’ co-creators refused to let the concept die and went on to adapt it for The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, which Paramount Pictures released theatrically on Dec. 2, 1988. The movie, featuring Leslie Nielsen reprising his Police Squad! lead role as accident-prone police lieutenant Frank Drebin, also starred Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalbán, George Kennedy and O. J. Simpson.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original Naked Gun film that...
Following the breakout success of the 1980 smash hit Airplane!, that film’s writer-director team — David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker — found themselves grounded when ABC promptly canceled their police-spoofing show Police Squad! in 1982. But the series’ co-creators refused to let the concept die and went on to adapt it for The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, which Paramount Pictures released theatrically on Dec. 2, 1988. The movie, featuring Leslie Nielsen reprising his Police Squad! lead role as accident-prone police lieutenant Frank Drebin, also starred Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalbán, George Kennedy and O. J. Simpson.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original Naked Gun film that...
- 12/21/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chris Rock among many other celebrities, has denied hosting the grand event of Golden Globes 2024. According to reports, the show is struggling to find a host for its 81st edition that is set to be held next month.
As per CNN, a search for the host is still underway, with less than a month before the show is set to take place in January, after several A-list comedic actors turned down offers to host the ceremony. Two-time Oscar host Chris Rock is allegedly among those approached for the gig, but has declined.
Rock last attended an award show in 2022, when he was slapped by Will Smith while presenting an award at the Oscars, reports aceshowbiz.com.
He will likely be nominated at the upcoming Golden Globes in the new category of best performance in stand-up comedy on television for his Netflix special ‘Chris Rock: Selective Outrage’.
Ali Wong is reportedly...
As per CNN, a search for the host is still underway, with less than a month before the show is set to take place in January, after several A-list comedic actors turned down offers to host the ceremony. Two-time Oscar host Chris Rock is allegedly among those approached for the gig, but has declined.
Rock last attended an award show in 2022, when he was slapped by Will Smith while presenting an award at the Oscars, reports aceshowbiz.com.
He will likely be nominated at the upcoming Golden Globes in the new category of best performance in stand-up comedy on television for his Netflix special ‘Chris Rock: Selective Outrage’.
Ali Wong is reportedly...
- 12/11/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Chris Rock among many other celebrities, has denied hosting the grand event of Golden Globes 2024. According to reports, the show is struggling to find a host for its 81st edition that is set to be held next month.
As per CNN, a search for the host is still underway, with less than a month before the show is set to take place in January, after several A-list comedic actors turned down offers to host the ceremony. Two-time Oscar host Chris Rock is allegedly among those approached for the gig, but has declined.
Rock last attended an award show in 2022, when he was slapped by Will Smith while presenting an award at the Oscars, reports aceshowbiz.com.
He will likely be nominated at the upcoming Golden Globes in the new category of best performance in stand-up comedy on television for his Netflix special ‘Chris Rock: Selective Outrage’.
Ali Wong is reportedly...
As per CNN, a search for the host is still underway, with less than a month before the show is set to take place in January, after several A-list comedic actors turned down offers to host the ceremony. Two-time Oscar host Chris Rock is allegedly among those approached for the gig, but has declined.
Rock last attended an award show in 2022, when he was slapped by Will Smith while presenting an award at the Oscars, reports aceshowbiz.com.
He will likely be nominated at the upcoming Golden Globes in the new category of best performance in stand-up comedy on television for his Netflix special ‘Chris Rock: Selective Outrage’.
Ali Wong is reportedly...
- 12/11/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Liam Neeson’s Frank Drebin may have found his foil in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun, as reports have come out that former Bond villain Mads Mikkelsen may be close to signing on.
As reported by Daniel Richtman, “Mads Mikkelsen is in talks to play the villain Cane.” While no details have come out about Cane and Mikkelsen has not officially inked a deal for the upcoming Naked Gun installment, I would personally love to see him take on the role.
If confirmed, Mads Mikkelsen will join Ricardo Montalbán’s Victor Ludwig from the first Naked Gun, Robert Goulet’s Quentin Hapsburg from The Smell of Fear and Fred Ward’s Rocco Dillon from The Final Insult. Considering that lineup, we would absolutely welcome Mads Mikkelsen to the list of heels trying to outsmart (well…) Frank Drebin. And hey, let’s keep tradition and get “Weird Al” Yankovic...
As reported by Daniel Richtman, “Mads Mikkelsen is in talks to play the villain Cane.” While no details have come out about Cane and Mikkelsen has not officially inked a deal for the upcoming Naked Gun installment, I would personally love to see him take on the role.
If confirmed, Mads Mikkelsen will join Ricardo Montalbán’s Victor Ludwig from the first Naked Gun, Robert Goulet’s Quentin Hapsburg from The Smell of Fear and Fred Ward’s Rocco Dillon from The Final Insult. Considering that lineup, we would absolutely welcome Mads Mikkelsen to the list of heels trying to outsmart (well…) Frank Drebin. And hey, let’s keep tradition and get “Weird Al” Yankovic...
- 11/25/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
When Cailee Spaeny was 13 she reached a crossroads: she could carry on the way she was going or walk away from a normal life forever. Quitting high school to become an actor might not work out, she knew that, but Spaeny took the hard road; the exciting and risky one. And such was the choice the teenage Priscilla Presley made in 1963, leaving her family stationed in Germany to move in with Elvis at his home. Graceland, under the protective care of the singer’s father, Vernon. So, when Spaeny was cast in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, perhaps the two women, actor and subject, had more in common than they knew.
“We were the same age when we had this conviction, ‘Well, this is my life and I want this and I’m a teenager, but…,’ Spaeny says. “Like Priscilla’s family, my family made incredible sacrifices to support that decision.
“We were the same age when we had this conviction, ‘Well, this is my life and I want this and I’m a teenager, but…,’ Spaeny says. “Like Priscilla’s family, my family made incredible sacrifices to support that decision.
- 11/22/2023
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
In July 2021, it was announced that Universal Pictures had spent $400 million to acquire rights to The Exorcist. Planning a trilogy, with two sequels that would be exclusive to the studio’s streamer Peacock, they collaborated with horror outfit Blumhouse in a deal that essentially seemed rush to match Netflix’s then-groundbreaking pact to produce two Knives Out sequels. Well, in the two years since—where Wall Street has realized the long-game business plan of streaming was actually, to quote George Herbert Walker Bush, “voodoo economics”—the first entry of this (hopefully not-realized) horror trilogy lands in theaters with a not-insignificant amount of pressure to recoup the investment.
Perhaps it’s a little cynical to discuss business matters at the beginning of a film review, but I think it’s worthwhile when that adjective also describes the cinematic venture at hand. I suppose props to Jason Blum and co. on their...
Perhaps it’s a little cynical to discuss business matters at the beginning of a film review, but I think it’s worthwhile when that adjective also describes the cinematic venture at hand. I suppose props to Jason Blum and co. on their...
- 10/6/2023
- by Ethan Vestby
- The Film Stage
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