Liam Neeson, best known for his intense action roles, is set to take on an unexpected challenge: stepping into the shoes of the bumbling Detective Frank Drebin in the reboot of the classic comedy The Naked Gun. The announcement has left fans divided, with some excited to see Neeson’s comedic chops, while others remain sceptical about anyone replacing the legendary Leslie Nielsen.
A Bold New Direction
Paramount Pictures confirmed that Neeson will lead the reboot, which aims to revive the slapstick humour and absurdity of the original 1988 film. Directed by Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping), the project has been in development for years, with various actors considered for the iconic role.
Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?
Social media has been buzzing since the news broke. Some fans argue that Neeson’s deadpan delivery could work brilliantly in a comedy, while others insist that no one can replicate Nielsen’s unique charm. One Twitter user wrote, "Liam Neeson in a comedy? I’m intrigued!", while another countered, "This is sacrilege. Leslie Nielsen IS Frank Drebin."
Can Neeson Pull It Off?
Though primarily known for dramatic and action-heavy roles in films like Taken and Schindler’s List, Neeson has shown glimpses of comedic timing in projects like Ted 2 and Life’s Too Short. Whether he can carry an entire film in Nielsen’s absurd world remains to be seen.
The reboot is expected to begin production later this year, with a script penned by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand (How I Met Your Mother). Will Neeson’s Drebin live up to the original? Only time—and box office numbers—will tell.
