David Zucker, co-creator of the iconic comedy franchise The Naked Gun, recently criticized the upcoming 2025 reboot starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., raising concerns about its adherence to the spirit of the original films. The Liam Neeson Naked Gun reboot, helmed by Akiva Schaffer, departs from the approach established by the original creative team, with Zucker and his brother Jerry choosing not to participate in the new production.
Original Creators Step Away from the New Direction
The Naked Gun franchise was crafted by the comedic trio ZAZ, which included Jim Abrahams and David and Jerry Zucker. While Abrahams passed away in 2024, the remaining Zucker brothers opted out of collaborating on the reboot, seeing it as an entirely new project that, in their view, fails to capture the essence of the beloved spoof series. David Zucker, known for his contributions to the genre with films like Top Secret! and Scary Movie 3 and 4, is currently promoting his online masterclass in spoof comedy, emphasizing the precise methods behind the ZAZ formula. He explained,
“There’s a certain method to the madness,”
David Zucker, Director. He further stated,
“We had our 15 rules, and I’m teaching them in the hopes that if anybody tries to do a movie like this again, they’ll do it right,”
David Zucker, Director.
Zucker underscored that a successful comedy hinges on relatable characters and a strong narrative, rather than forced humor or technical spectacle.
“I think there’s an audience out there for any good story. You have to start with a good story and good characters. You need people who your audience is going to actually be invested in and care about. The kind of gag I love most is when nobody’s trying to be funny. They’re just acting.”
David Zucker, Director.
Zucker’s Harsh View on Recasting and Stylistic Changes
Reflecting on the decision to cast Liam Neeson in the role of Frank Drebin Jr., David Zucker voiced clear reservations about replacing Leslie Nielsen, whose performance became synonymous with the original character.
“They tried to replace Leslie Nielsen in the new Naked Gun, and you can’t replace him. No one else can do that,”
David Zucker, Director. Zucker expressed a broader disappointment, acknowledging the difficulty of recapturing the unique comedic style that ZAZ pioneered.
“My brother, Jerry, and our partner, Jim Abrahams, started doing spoof comedies 50 years ago, and we originated our own style—and we did that so well that it looks easy, evidently. People started copying it, like [producer] Seth MacFarlane for the new Naked Gun. He totally missed it.”
David Zucker, Director.
Financial Gambles and the Cost of Modern Comedy
The 2025 Liam Neeson Naked Gun reboot is notable for its production budget of $42 million, a figure considered substantial for a comedy, even though the film grossed over $102 million. While this would typically be seen as financial success for a comedy, Zucker objected to the high costs and reliance on visual effects or technical flair, suggesting that comedies benefit more from simple execution and wit.
“You shouldn’t spend too much money on comedies, and one of our rules is about technical pizzazz. Big budgets and comedy are opposites, and in the new Naked Gun, you could see that they spent a lot of money on scenes full of technical pizzazz while trying to copy our style. Everybody’s in it for the money now, and that feels like the only reason why they wanted to do a new Naked Gun. Comedy changes, and I wouldn’t do the same thing anymore.”
David Zucker, Director.
Key Players and Cast in the 2025 Reboot
The Liam Neeson Naked Gun reboot introduces a new cast, with Liam Neeson leading as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., stepping into the role made famous by Leslie Nielsen. Pamela Anderson appears as Beth Davenport, bringing new dynamics to the ensemble. Behind the camera, Akiva Schaffer directs, while Seth MacFarlane has a producer role, further connecting this project to figures well-known in modern comedy circles.
Significance and Outlook for the Franchise
The critical response from David Zucker, one of spoof comedy’s leading figures, marks a significant moment for the franchise, highlighting tension between classic comedic sensibilities and new approaches in remakes. While The Naked Gun reboot’s commercial performance indicates audiences remain curious, the creative disconnect between the original team and the new adaptation could influence future decisions in how classic properties are revived. With names like akiva schaffer, jim abrahams, jerry zucker, seth macfarlane, pamela anderson, and especially Liam Neeson now associated with the franchise, the film’s reception may ultimately determine if new generations embrace or reject this direction for The Naked Gun series.
