Naked Gun, the comedy classic trilogy that ran from the late '80s and early '90s, is getting a reboot. While the franchise started out with Leslie Nielsen in the lead, the reboot has tapped Liam Neeson to fill that role.
The original franchise did not actually begin with The Naked Gun in 1988. A sitcom entitled Police Squad! aired in 1982 and ran for just six episodes, but it introduced the world to Leslie Nielsen's comedic talent as Lieutenant Frank Drebin (he had previously been known for his dramatic roles). The franchise continued with the first film in 1988, which spawned two sequels in 1991 and 1994. Following Nielsen's death in 2010, there were talks of a reboot starring Ed Helms, but those plans fell through. Liam Neeson has actually been rumored to star in the Naked Gun reboot since last year.
According to a report by Deadline, Neeson is close to finishing negotiations, and the Paramount project will receive the greenlight once he does. Set to direct is Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with comedy group The Lonely Island and for directing films such as Hot Rod and Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, collaborators with Schaffer on last year's Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, are also set to pen the script.
Schaffer is also executive producer, while production will be done through Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins through their Fuzzy Door joint venture. It is rumored that Neeson will not be stepping into Nielsen's shoes as Lieutenant Frank Drebin and will instead be playing the character's son. Drebin's son was born in the final film of the trilogy, Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult, though it's possible Neeson's character could be a previously-unnamed son of Drebin's.
Neeson's casting is an inspired callback to Nielsen's own career. Nielsen was known for his dramatic work more than his comedic work, but later become beloved as a comedic icon. Neeson is similarly known for his action fare with films such as Taken and is a talented actor in his own right. He has been seen in other comedic films and shows, where he has performed admirably. Notably, he performed a cameo on the last season of Derry Girls.
Hopefully, the film pays homage to Nielsen. The Naked Gun and Nielsen are near-synonymous, as it is one of his most well known films. Though many may be weary of a reboot, it will likely introduce the franchise to a new generation of viewers.
The Naked Gun reboot is in development.
Source: Deadline