Is Liam Neeson the Right Choice for ‘The Naked Gun’?

The ‘Naked Gun’ series is one of the most beloved comedy franchises of all time. Starring the legendary Leslie Nielsen as the clueless yet determined detective Frank Drebin, the films were packed with slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and over-the-top action. Now, Hollywood is bringing back ‘The Naked Gun,’ and Liam Neeson is stepping into the lead role. But is he the right choice?

Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr.

Paramount Pictures recently released the first trailer for the upcoming ‘Naked Gun’ reboot, introducing Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the original character. While Neeson is best known for his action-packed roles in films like ‘Taken’ and ‘The Grey,’ this role marks a major shift into the world of comedy.

Fans are divided. Some are excited to see Neeson try his hand at slapstick humor, while others wonder if he can truly capture the essence of the original ‘Naked Gun’ movies. Leslie Nielsen’s ability to deliver absurd humor with a straight face was what made the films work so well. Can Neeson do the same?

Why Liam Neeson Might Be a Good Choice

Liam Neeson is a seasoned actor with an impressive range. Over the years, he has proven that he can handle action, drama, and even moments of humor in films like ‘The A-Team’ and ‘Anchorman 2.’

One of Neeson’s strengths is his serious delivery, which could work well in a ‘Naked Gun’ movie. Leslie Nielsen was never traditionally known as a comedic actor before he starred in the original films. In fact, he was known for dramatic roles. His straight-faced approach to ridiculous situations made ‘The Naked Gun’ hilarious. Neeson could follow a similar path.

Additionally, Neeson’s experience in action movies might bring a fresh take to the franchise. The original films had plenty of over-the-top action sequences, and Neeson’s background could help bring that element to life in a fun and engaging way.

Why Some Fans Are Skeptical

Despite his strong acting skills, some fans are concerned that Liam Neeson might not be the best choice for ‘The Naked Gun.’ The biggest question is whether he has the comedic timing needed to pull off the role. Slapstick humor is not easy, and it requires an actor who can commit fully to the absurdity of the scenes.

Another concern is whether the reboot will stay true to the spirit of the original films. Many modern reboots tend to focus more on action and less on humor, which could be a mistake for a franchise like ‘The Naked Gun.’ If the new film leans too heavily into action and forgets the comedy, fans of the original might be disappointed.

What the Trailer Reveals

The first trailer for ‘The Naked Gun’ reboot gives us a glimpse of Liam Neeson’s take on Frank Drebin Jr. In the trailer, we see Drebin Jr. in a series of chaotic situations, including stopping a bank robbery and fighting off an attacker disguised as a schoolgirl.

One moment that stands out is a heartfelt scene where Drebin Jr. looks at a framed photo of his father, paying tribute to Leslie Nielsen’s original character. This moment suggests that the film will acknowledge its roots while introducing a new generation to the world of ‘The Naked Gun.’

The trailer also reveals a strong supporting cast, including Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, and Danny Huston. With a mix of comedic and action-heavy actors, the film could strike a good balance between humor and excitement.

Can Liam Neeson Live Up to Leslie Nielsen?

Comparing Liam Neeson to Leslie Nielsen is inevitable. Nielsen’s portrayal of Frank Drebin was iconic, and his comedic talent is unmatched. However, Neeson doesn’t need to copy Nielsen’s performance—he just needs to bring his own unique style to the role.

If Neeson can successfully deliver deadpan humor while embracing the silliness of the script, he might surprise audiences. It’s also important that the film’s writers and director, Akiva Schaffer, stay true to the original spirit of ‘The Naked Gun.’

Final Verdict: Is Liam Neeson the Right Choice?

Liam Neeson’s casting in ‘The Naked Gun’ reboot is a bold choice. While some fans remain skeptical, there’s reason to be optimistic. His ability to play serious roles with a touch of humor could work well if handled correctly. The key will be whether the film leans into classic slapstick comedy rather than relying too much on modern action sequences.

If the movie can strike the right balance between comedy and chaos, Liam Neeson might just surprise us all. Whether he’s the perfect choice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the new ‘Naked Gun’ will be one of the most talked-about movies of 2025.