Liam Neeson stars in the latest Naked Gun film, which has already been met with enthusiastic acclaim following its recent release. The movie, reviving a beloved comedy franchise, premiered to a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a successful Liam Neeson Naked Gun comeback that excites longtime fans and newcomers alike.
A Modern Take on a Classic Slapstick Franchise
The Naked Gun returns to theaters featuring Liam Neeson in the role of Frank Drebin Jr., stepping into the shoes once filled by Leslie Nielsen. This revival embraces the original’s slapstick humor and absurdity, enriched by Neeson’s unexpected comedic performance. Despite his history as a serious actor, Neeson effortlessly embraces the over-the-top antics, gaining praise for balancing homage with fresh energy.
Critics have highlighted that this film dispels the notion that this brand of comedy is outdated. Instead, Neeson proves it remains vibrant and hilarious, potentially opening doors to more action-comedy projects in his career. Early reviews, totaling sixteen so far, unanimously praise the film’s rapid-fire jokes, crowning it with a flawless score on a platform known for stringent evaluation.
Fans and reviewers describe the movie as “balls-to-the-wall funny” and commend its extraordinary joke density, likening its comedic rhythm to popular contemporary hits like Jackass Forever. Such remarks suggest that The Naked Gun is not merely a nostalgic revival but a much-needed burst of laughter for audiences today.
While some acknowledge that Neeson cannot fully replace the iconic Leslie Nielsen, they also agree that this film does not intend to replicate Nielsen’s style but rather establish Neeson’s unique comedic identity. As Collider’s Aidan Kelley stated,
“From a pure comedic level, The Naked Gun is not only one of the most consistently funny films of 2025, but it’s arguably just as funny as the first three.”
Why Liam Neeson Was the Ideal Successor to Leslie Nielsen
The Naked Gun franchise began as an offshoot of the television series Police Squad!, which starred Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling Lt. Frank Drebin. Although the original show was short-lived, its humor laid the groundwork for a series of films that defined Nielsen’s later career. After a 30-year gap, Liam Neeson takes on the mantle of Frank Drebin Jr., bringing new life to the franchise while connecting with a modern audience.
Seth MacFarlane, the film’s producer and a longtime admirer of 1980s comedy, expressed that casting Neeson was unmistakably the right choice. He told Entertainment Weekly,
“Liam Neeson is probably the only actor alive in the 21st century who could do what Leslie Nielsen did, largely because that kind of actor is not something that we’re really generating a lot of in Hollywood anymore. [He’s] larger than life on screen and yet so honest, two things that don’t always mesh, but he’s really able to be that kind of an on-camera powerhouse.”
The Ensemble Bringing New Energy to the Franchise
The film also features a talented supporting cast, each contributing to its renewed vibrancy. Pamela Anderson appears as Beth, while Paul Walter Hauser plays Captain Ed. Actor Kevin Durand rounds out the cast with a role that complements the slapstick tone and energetic pacing that fans expect from a Naked Gun installment.
Together, these performers support Neeson’s comedic vision, creating a film that respects the franchise’s essence while introducing new humor and dynamics that resonate with today’s audiences.
Implications of the Successfully Revived Franchise
The positive reception of this Liam Neeson Naked Gun comeback heralds an important moment for comedy fans craving classic humor blended with modern sensibilities. The film’s success could signal a resurgence of slapstick-style comedies, a genre often considered dormant in recent years. Neeson’s performance demonstrates his versatility and opens potential for future roles that combine action and comedy.
For the franchise, this revival may mark the beginning of a new chapter, inspiring sequels or related projects that further explore the world of Frank Drebin Jr. Meanwhile, audiences can delight in a comedy that balances nostalgia with a contemporary edge, delivered through a cast and crew dedicated to keeping the spirit alive.
