Liam Neeson is in discussions to star in a reboot of the classic comedy franchise 'The Naked Gun', scheduled for release on August 1. The film would see Neeson play Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen's iconic detective character. Pamela Anderson is set to co-star as Beth Davenport, a modern update on Priscilla Presley's Jane Spencer, with Akiva Schaffer of The Lonely Island directing and co-writing.
Neeson, 73, admits he has not watched the original films since their theatrical runs in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite leading the reboot, he has no intention of mimicking Nielsen's performance, stating, 'I've done over 100 movies, so I don't need someone to tell me how to act.' The actor, known for dramatic roles and later action films, says this is his first comedy feature.
Neeson revealed that Seth MacFarlane approached him about the project three years ago. Initially apprehensive about carrying a 90-minute comedy, Neeson agreed after trusting the script and MacFarlane's humour. He noted he would not have bleached his hair for the role, as some fans might expect.
The actor reflects on his comedy influences, including Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Will Ferrell. He recalls seeing the original 'Naked Gun' films in cinemas, describing them as 'a good giggle' with 'school boy humour.' Neeson also mentioned that 'Airplane!' was a significant film for Nielsen, particularly the line 'Don't call me Shirley.'
Neeson suggests this reboot may mark the end of his action star era, saying, 'I'm 73, for fuck's sake. I don't want to be doing that stuff with a Zimmer frame.' He praised his co-stars, including Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston, and Paul Walter Hauser, calling Hauser 'ridiculously funny.'
