Liam Neeson Goes Full Slapstick: “The Naked Gun” Reboot Puts Action Star in Comedy Chaos with Pamela Anderson

Paramount bets big on Neeson’s deadpan and Anderson’s comedic charm as they revive one of Hollywood’s funniest franchises.

Liam Neeson is about to trade kidnappers for pratfalls. Paramount Pictures has officially locked in Neeson to headline The Naked Gun reboot, playing Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., son of Leslie Nielsen’s legendary detective. Alongside him? None other than Pamela Anderson, stepping into a comedic spotlight fans never saw coming.

It’s one of 2025’s wildest gambles—and could either revive slapstick for a new generation or slip on a banana peel of nostalgia.

Liam Neeson Says: “You’ve Got to Look Ridiculous”

Neeson admits he was hesitant at first. Known for his intense action roles, he’s now diving headfirst into slapstick comedy. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he confessed:

“You’ve got to be willing to look completely ridiculous. And I’m all in for that.”

Neeson emphasized he’s not trying to mimic Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan brilliance, but hopes to bring his own spin:

“Not because I think I’m funny—far from it—but I did enjoy those Leslie Nielsen films a lot.”

Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport: A Surprising Twist

Pamela Anderson is confirmed to play Beth Davenport, a femme fatale whose brother’s murder launches the plot. She’s ready to prove there’s more to her than red swimsuits and tabloid headlines:

“It’s good to have some groundedness when there’s this comedy happening… It’s a dance.”

Fans are intrigued by the unexpected chemistry between Anderson and Neeson, with many hoping she’ll be the film’s comedic secret weapon.

Akiva Schaffer Promises Old-School Laughs, New School Style

Director Akiva Schaffer, of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping fame, insists the film won’t simply copy the original:

“It’s modern, but it still has the spirit of the original. Liam and Pamela both get how to play it straight, which is the secret sauce.”

The reboot aims to honor the absurd humor of the original Naked Gun franchise while adding fresh jokes tailored for 2025 audiences. Early footage hints at spoofs of modern cop dramas, complete with wild stunts and sight gags.

Hollywood Reacts: Slapstick Comeback or Total Disaster?

The industry is divided on whether this gamble will pay off. Some believe Neeson’s stern presence could make the comedy land even harder. Others worry it could feel forced or awkward.

Rare Move for an Action Star

It’s unusual for a star like Neeson to leap into pure comedy. Few action actors have pulled off such a transition successfully. As one studio exec told Variety:

“It’s either going to be brilliant because of how serious Liam is—or it’ll be one of those awkward moments we all pretend didn’t happen.”

Fans Buzzing: Can Neeson Pull Off Comedy?

Fans are buzzing on social media. Some see Neeson’s stoic persona as the perfect fit for deadpan humor. Others remain skeptical, fearing cheap gags might sink the reboot.

One Reddit user summed it up:

“I’d watch Liam Neeson read a grocery list. But please, for the love of God, don’t make him slip on banana peels for two hours unless it’s actually funny.”

Meanwhile, Pamela Anderson is generating positive buzz, with fans eager to see her comedic talents unleashed.

Release Date Locked: August 1, 2025

The Naked Gun reboot release date is set for August 1, 2025. Filming wrapped in Atlanta in mid-2024. The cast also includes Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, and more.

The Final Word

My take? I’m cautiously optimistic. Liam Neeson has the gravitas to make a fart joke feel like Shakespeare. Pamela Anderson could surprise everyone with comedic timing. If Akiva Schaffer balances nostalgia and new jokes, this could be the slapstick comeback Hollywood didn’t know it needed.

Or…it might face-plant into a custard pie. Either way, I’ll be first in line.

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🎥 Wanna revisit the original hilarity? Grab The Naked Gun boxset on Amazon and relive every ridiculous moment. Buy it here.