In a move that’s both nostalgic and bold, Hollywood has brought The Naked Gun franchise back to life—with a twist. The 2025 reboot stars none other than action icon Liam Neeson stepping into the slapstick shoes once worn by the late, great Leslie Nielsen. Known more for his gravel-voiced intensity than gut-busting gags, Neeson takes a comedic detour that’s raising eyebrows—and laughter levels—nationwide.
Directed by Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-creator Dan Goor and produced by Seth MacFarlane, the film, officially titled The Naked Gun: Frank Drebin Reloaded, is both a tribute and a fresh take. Neeson plays Detective Frank Drebin Jr., son of the original bumbling hero, who’s inherited both his badge and his catastrophic knack for turning any routine assignment into a full-blown circus.
The plot, in true Naked Gun fashion, is gloriously absurd. Drebin Jr. is hot on the trail of a tech mogul suspected of plotting to disrupt the national power grid using an army of artificially intelligent home appliances. With a plot that somehow involves exploding microwaves, seductive smart fridges, and a cybernetic emotional support alpaca, the movie doesn’t skimp on the series’ signature absurdity. If it sounds ridiculous, that’s the point.
Neeson’s straight-man delivery adds a fresh layer to the comedy. He plays the chaos around him with deadpan seriousness, which only amplifies the ridiculousness of each situation. Whether he’s mistaking a wax museum for a hostage crisis or accidentally giving CPR to a store mannequin, Neeson throws himself fully into the chaos.
Supporting cast members bring added flair, including Tiffany Haddish as a quick-witted forensics expert and Kevin Hart as Drebin’s overly eager rookie partner who causes nearly as much destruction as the bad guys. Look out, too, for some hilarious cameos—yes, even O.J. Simpson’s character, Nordberg, is referenced, albeit through a tongue-in-cheek gag that wisely acknowledges the franchise’s stranger past without dwelling on it.
As for the humor, it’s a mix of rapid-fire puns, slapstick stunts, visual gags, and cheeky parodies of current pop culture and police procedurals. The film hits many of the same beats that made the original trilogy beloved, while also updating its tone for today’s audience. There are fewer gags at the expense of gender or race and more playful commentary on modern tech, bureaucracy, and politics.
Rated PG-13 for comic violence, brief language, and some suggestive material, the film manages to walk the fine line between irreverent and appropriate. It’s not exactly a Pixar movie, but teens and older kids will likely enjoy it alongside their parents, especially those who fondly remember the original.
Ultimately, The Naked Gun: Frank Drebin Reloaded doesn’t try to replace Leslie Nielsen—it salutes him. Liam Neeson’s unexpected but effective turn as a comedic lead proves that even the most serious faces can deliver laughs when surrounded by banana peels, exploding toilets, and malfunctioning drones.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, this reboot aims for laughs—and for the most part, it hits the target with hilarious precision.