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Neeson-Led Naked Gun Reboot Blends Absurdist Parody With Legacy Homage

Balancing absurdist parody with torch-passing nostalgia, the theatrical reboot features Leslie Nielsen’s subtitled owl cameo, a single O.J. Simpson gag, fresh post-credits tributes, coinciding with the original trilogy streaming online.

The Naked Gun
Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson in "The Naked Gun."
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Overview

  • Liam Neeson stars as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. in a legacy sequel that picks up where Leslie Nielsen left off.
  • Leslie Nielsen returns in a surreal cameo as a subtitled owl, reflecting the franchise’s anything‐goes comedic style.
  • Director Akiva Schaffer addresses O.J. Simpson’s past role with a lone gag in the Hall of Legends scene to acknowledge his character respectfully.
  • A series of post-credits scenes break the fourth wall and revive classic Police Squad!/Naked Gun credits gags, culminating in a final Weird Al Yankovic appearance.
  • All three original Naked Gun films are now streaming on Paramount+, with additional free access on MGM+, Pluto TV and Sling TV.