The revival of I Know What You Did Last Summer is appropriately set to hit theaters in the dead of summer.
Sony Pictures announced Thursday that its new film with the same name as the original 1997 slasher flick is set for theatrical release domestically on July 18, 2025. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge) is directing the sequel from a screenplay she co-wrote with Sam Lansky after an initial script from Leah McKendrick. Neal Moritz produces the film.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. were in talks to reprise their roles from the first movie that hit theaters Oct. 17, 1997.
Also scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, is Paramount’s Naked Gun reboot from director Akiva Schaffer that features Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin.
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer starred Hewitt, Prinze, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe. It was penned by...
Sony Pictures announced Thursday that its new film with the same name as the original 1997 slasher flick is set for theatrical release domestically on July 18, 2025. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge) is directing the sequel from a screenplay she co-wrote with Sam Lansky after an initial script from Leah McKendrick. Neal Moritz produces the film.
The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. were in talks to reprise their roles from the first movie that hit theaters Oct. 17, 1997.
Also scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, is Paramount’s Naked Gun reboot from director Akiva Schaffer that features Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin.
The original I Know What You Did Last Summer starred Hewitt, Prinze, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe. It was penned by...
- 5/16/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Walter Hauser plays the "straight man" in 'The Naked Gun' reboot.The 37-year-old actor is starring in the crime caper as Captain Ed Hocken and has given an insight into his alter ego's relationship with Liam Neeson's Frank Drebin Jr. – the son of Leslie Nielsen's detective from the original movies.Speaking to Screen Rant, Paul said: "I play Frank Drebin's partner. He's played by Liam Neeson this time around, and I get to, in some ways, be the straight man to his comedic chaos, and it has been a lot of fun."The 'Richard Jewell' actor explained that he is a huge fan of director Akiva Schaffer and lived a dream working on one of his projects with co-stars including Neeson and Pamela Anderson.Paul said: "I'm a massive lifelong fan of Akiva Schaffer, I think 'Popstar' and 'Hot Rod',...
- 5/15/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
After years of rumors and speculation, Liam Neeson’s Naked Gun reboot looks like it is finally heading into production. Set to be directed by The Lonely Island’s Akiva Schaffer, and written by Dan Gregor and Doug Man, fans expect a lot from this reboot. While many have tried (and failed) to update the franchise, and it’s hard to imagine anyone stepping into Leslie Nielsen’s iconic shoes at Lt. Frank Drebin, it’s pretty interesting that the team pairing on this is the same one that teamed on Disney’s much better than expected reboot of Chip n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers. All involved are really funny, so if anyone could make this work, it’s them. With a release date tentatively set for July 18th, 2025, here’s everything we know about the Naked Gun reboot.
Liam Neeson will be the star.
While some may wonder why Liam Neeson,...
Liam Neeson will be the star.
While some may wonder why Liam Neeson,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Per THR, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes star Kevin Durand will join Liam Neeson in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun.
Liam Neeson has long been attached to star in the Naked Gun reboot, and it was announced last month that Pamela Anderson would be starring alongside him. It’s not known precisely who Anderson will play, but it’s expected that she’ll be the romantic lead, similar to Priscilla Presley’s role in the original movies. Paul Walter Hauser has also signed on to play Captain Ed, the role played by George Kennedy in the previous Naked Gun movies. Production will kick off later this month with Akiva Schaffer directing from a script by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand.
Related Paul Walter Hauser continues taking every job in Hollywood by joining the cast of Marvel’s Fantastic Four
Although Liam Neeson has experience in the realm of comedy,...
Liam Neeson has long been attached to star in the Naked Gun reboot, and it was announced last month that Pamela Anderson would be starring alongside him. It’s not known precisely who Anderson will play, but it’s expected that she’ll be the romantic lead, similar to Priscilla Presley’s role in the original movies. Paul Walter Hauser has also signed on to play Captain Ed, the role played by George Kennedy in the previous Naked Gun movies. Production will kick off later this month with Akiva Schaffer directing from a script by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand.
Related Paul Walter Hauser continues taking every job in Hollywood by joining the cast of Marvel’s Fantastic Four
Although Liam Neeson has experience in the realm of comedy,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
After donning ape fur for his upcoming Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Kevin Durand is now getting Naked.
The actor, who is also currently on screens with horror movie Abigail, has joined Liam Neeson in Paramount Pictures’ untitled remake of Naked Gun, based on the crime spoof comedies that were released in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser are also on the call sheet for the feature that will begin shooting later this month.
Akiva Schaffer is directing the comedy, which has a script by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand and Schaffer. The trio were behind the popular and Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
The original movie, written and directed by Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker and based on their television series Police Squad! that lasted only six episodes, spoofed the tropes of police shows and films that...
The actor, who is also currently on screens with horror movie Abigail, has joined Liam Neeson in Paramount Pictures’ untitled remake of Naked Gun, based on the crime spoof comedies that were released in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser are also on the call sheet for the feature that will begin shooting later this month.
Akiva Schaffer is directing the comedy, which has a script by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand and Schaffer. The trio were behind the popular and Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
The original movie, written and directed by Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker and based on their television series Police Squad! that lasted only six episodes, spoofed the tropes of police shows and films that...
- 5/2/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Deadline reports that Paul Walter Hauser has joined the cast of the upcoming Naked Gun reboot. While these casting announcements don’t always reveal who the actor will be playing, this time, it does! Hauser will play Captain Ed, the role played by George Kennedy in the previous Naked Gun movies.
Liam Neeson has long been attached to star in the Naked Gun reboot, and it was announced last month that Pamela Anderson would be starring alongside him. It’s not known precisely who Anderson will play, but it’s expected that she’ll be the romantic lead, similar to Priscilla Presley’s role in the original movies. Production will kick off later this year with Akiva Schaffer directing from a script by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand.
Paul Walter Hauser is also attached to play Chris Farley in a biopic about the iconic comedian directed by Josh Gad.
Related...
Liam Neeson has long been attached to star in the Naked Gun reboot, and it was announced last month that Pamela Anderson would be starring alongside him. It’s not known precisely who Anderson will play, but it’s expected that she’ll be the romantic lead, similar to Priscilla Presley’s role in the original movies. Production will kick off later this year with Akiva Schaffer directing from a script by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand.
Paul Walter Hauser is also attached to play Chris Farley in a biopic about the iconic comedian directed by Josh Gad.
Related...
- 5/1/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
It's a busy old time for Paul Walter Hauser – with good reason, since he's been putting in excellent, memorable and award-winning performances in a variety of films and shows. He's now attached to another big title, joining Liam Neeson in the cast of Paramount's new spin on The Naked Gun.
The 1988 original saw David Zucker, brother Jerry, Jim Abrahams and co-writer Pat Proft turn their short-lived comedy series Police Squad! into a movie. It was an instant comedy hit, Leslie Nielsen's iconic central performance cementing his transformation from dramatic actor to comedy legend as Detective Frank Drebin.
Two sequels followed to diminishing returns (though there are still good gags to be enjoyed in both), but we started to hear rumours of a remake in development years ago. That went through a few versions — Ed Helms was attached to star for while — and more recently, Seth MacFarlane has been involved,...
The 1988 original saw David Zucker, brother Jerry, Jim Abrahams and co-writer Pat Proft turn their short-lived comedy series Police Squad! into a movie. It was an instant comedy hit, Leslie Nielsen's iconic central performance cementing his transformation from dramatic actor to comedy legend as Detective Frank Drebin.
Two sequels followed to diminishing returns (though there are still good gags to be enjoyed in both), but we started to hear rumours of a remake in development years ago. That went through a few versions — Ed Helms was attached to star for while — and more recently, Seth MacFarlane has been involved,...
- 5/1/2024
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Paul Walter Hauser is ready to fight crime alongside Liam Neeson in the reboot of the Naked Gun franchise.
Hauser is set to play Captain Ed in director Akiva Schaffer’s untitled new Naked Gun film that Paramount Pictures plans to release July 18, 2025. George Kennedy previously played the role in the original film trilogy that kicked off with the 1988 comedy The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Dan Gregor and Doug Mand penned the new movie’s script with Schaffer. The two scribes previously wrote the director’s Emmy-winning Disney+ feature Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins of Fuzzy Door produce the project that is based on the Naked Gun film franchise and the television series Police Squad! from Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker. Daniel M. Stillman serves as executive producer.
Hauser joins the cast that includes Neeson and Pamela Anderson. While plot details are under wraps,...
Hauser is set to play Captain Ed in director Akiva Schaffer’s untitled new Naked Gun film that Paramount Pictures plans to release July 18, 2025. George Kennedy previously played the role in the original film trilogy that kicked off with the 1988 comedy The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Dan Gregor and Doug Mand penned the new movie’s script with Schaffer. The two scribes previously wrote the director’s Emmy-winning Disney+ feature Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins of Fuzzy Door produce the project that is based on the Naked Gun film franchise and the television series Police Squad! from Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker. Daniel M. Stillman serves as executive producer.
Hauser joins the cast that includes Neeson and Pamela Anderson. While plot details are under wraps,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Paul Walter Hauser’s hot streak continues. After seeing New Line lock up rights to the authorized Chris Farley biopic in which he’ll star for director Josh Gad, the actor has signed on to the untitled Naked Gun reboot from Paramount Pictures.
Hauser joins an ensemble that also includes Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, as previously announced. He’ll take on the role of Ed, Frank Drebin’s partner, which was inhabited in prior Naked Gun films by George Kennedy, and in the preceding series Police Squad! by Alan North.
Akiva Schaffer is directing and exec producing the comedy, slated for release in theaters on July 18, 2025. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer, with whom they partnered on the Emmy-winning film Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via Fuzzy Door, with Daniel M. Stillman also serving as EP.
Hauser joins an ensemble that also includes Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, as previously announced. He’ll take on the role of Ed, Frank Drebin’s partner, which was inhabited in prior Naked Gun films by George Kennedy, and in the preceding series Police Squad! by Alan North.
Akiva Schaffer is directing and exec producing the comedy, slated for release in theaters on July 18, 2025. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer, with whom they partnered on the Emmy-winning film Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via Fuzzy Door, with Daniel M. Stillman also serving as EP.
- 5/1/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Naked Gun, which originally starred Leslie Nielsen, is one of the most beloved action comedy series of all time and a true genre classic in every possible way. The legendary actor died in 2010, but while he was definitely the main face of the franchise, it was confirmed in October 2022 that the franchise would be coming back and that Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson would be taking over Nielsen’s role in the upcoming reboot of the beloved franchise.
And while Neeson is definitely a great actor and a big name, as well as someone who has experience in action movies, it remains to be seen how the production side of the whole project will approach the reboot and what the new series will actually look like. But this is something for the future. What we have now is new casting info that has recently been revealed and which confirms that...
And while Neeson is definitely a great actor and a big name, as well as someone who has experience in action movies, it remains to be seen how the production side of the whole project will approach the reboot and what the new series will actually look like. But this is something for the future. What we have now is new casting info that has recently been revealed and which confirms that...
- 4/22/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
One of America's strangest celebrity sagas came to an abrupt, anticlimactic close when O.J. Simpson died at the age of 76 on April 10, 2024. The Heisman Trophy-winning running back from the University of Southern California became a professional football phenomenon during his 11-season tenure with the Buffalo Bills. He was blindingly handsome and charismatic, as comfortable in front of a camera as he was breaking tackles on the gridiron. Unlike Jim Brown, Simpson chose to keep playing football when he embarked on his acting career; and though Simpson was typically cast in supporting roles, they were often high-profile productions (namely the Best Picture-nominated "The Towering Inferno" and the Emmy-winning miniseries "Roots").
When Simpson retired, he continued to act while staying close to football as an on-field reporter for NBC. You never knew where The Juice was going to turn up, but you were never unhappy to see him. This was especially true...
When Simpson retired, he continued to act while staying close to football as an on-field reporter for NBC. You never knew where The Juice was going to turn up, but you were never unhappy to see him. This was especially true...
- 4/21/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
A long overdue reboot of The Naked Gun franchise is finally gaining momentum at Paramount and recent reports have revealed Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson as its leading stars.
Based on the crime spoof comedy film series, featuring O.J. Simpson alongside Leslie Nielsen, the remake has reportedly been in development since 2022. It is expected to revisit the humor and charm of the original 1988 film that launched the beloved franchise.
Liam Neeson (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Liam Neeson to Star Alongside Pamela Anderson in The Naked Gun Remake
Hollywood star Liam Neeson has been in conversation to headline The Naked Gun remake for a while. And recent reports have confirmed that the Taken actor will star in the upcoming remake alongside the Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.
Pamela Anderson is set to star in The Naked Gun remake (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Released between the 1980s and ’90s, The Naked Gun film...
Based on the crime spoof comedy film series, featuring O.J. Simpson alongside Leslie Nielsen, the remake has reportedly been in development since 2022. It is expected to revisit the humor and charm of the original 1988 film that launched the beloved franchise.
Liam Neeson (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Liam Neeson to Star Alongside Pamela Anderson in The Naked Gun Remake
Hollywood star Liam Neeson has been in conversation to headline The Naked Gun remake for a while. And recent reports have confirmed that the Taken actor will star in the upcoming remake alongside the Baywatch star Pamela Anderson.
Pamela Anderson is set to star in The Naked Gun remake (Image via Wikimedia Commons)
Released between the 1980s and ’90s, The Naked Gun film...
- 4/17/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
‘Baywatch’ alumni Pamela Anderson has joined Liam Neeson in the forthcoming reboot of ‘Naked Gun’.
The movie is based on the ‘Naked Gun’ movie franchise which starred Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin. The original franchise was created by the creators of Paramount’s ‘Airplane!’, namely Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The Naked Gun trilogy was released during the early 1990s and was a big hit at the domestic box office, grossing over $216 million. Similar to Airplane!, the Naked Gun film series was famous for its outrageous parody, ridiculous set-ups, and on-screen sight gags.
Also in news – Pierce Brosnan set for Prince Naseem boxing biopic ‘Giant’
Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for the project. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
Anderson has previously...
The movie is based on the ‘Naked Gun’ movie franchise which starred Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin. The original franchise was created by the creators of Paramount’s ‘Airplane!’, namely Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker. The Naked Gun trilogy was released during the early 1990s and was a big hit at the domestic box office, grossing over $216 million. Similar to Airplane!, the Naked Gun film series was famous for its outrageous parody, ridiculous set-ups, and on-screen sight gags.
Also in news – Pierce Brosnan set for Prince Naseem boxing biopic ‘Giant’
Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for the project. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
Anderson has previously...
- 4/17/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Pamela Anderson has joined Liam Neeson in the cast of 'The Naked Gun' reboot.The 'Baywatch' actress is set to play the love interest of Neeson's Frank Drebin Jr. – the son of Leslie Nielsen's protagonist Detective Frank Drebin from the original films – in the movie that is slated for release in July 2025.The role marks a return to film work for Pamela, 56, who has previously featured in pictures including 'Barb Wire', 'Scary Movie 3' and 'Superhero Movie'.Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing the film while he has also penned a draft of the script alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand – the writers of the hit Disney+ film 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers'.Liam recently confessed to feeling a "bit nervous" about the expectation that comes with reviving the spoof comedy franchise.The 'Taken' actor told MovieWeb.com: "I've done a couple of,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Find a place to display your beaver prominently and order some Titan condoms from Amazon because Pamela Anderson is joining Liam Neeson for The Naked Gun reboot. While today’s Deadline article fails to mention who Anderson is playing, we assume she’ll play the romantic lead opposite Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. Lisa Marie Presley played the love interest of Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin in the original comedy film, resulting in some unforgettable and hilarious moments and sight gags.
After filming 110 episodes of the jiggly action TV series Baywatch, Pamela Anderson is no stranger to comedy. In addition to running in slow motion alongside David Hasselhoff, Yasmine Bleeth, Jeremy Jackson, and more, Anderson starred in Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie. The Naked Gun reboot carries a lot of pressure from fans of the Leslie Nielsen-led trilogy, but I’ve got a great feeling about this inspired casting choice.
After filming 110 episodes of the jiggly action TV series Baywatch, Pamela Anderson is no stranger to comedy. In addition to running in slow motion alongside David Hasselhoff, Yasmine Bleeth, Jeremy Jackson, and more, Anderson starred in Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie. The Naked Gun reboot carries a lot of pressure from fans of the Leslie Nielsen-led trilogy, but I’ve got a great feeling about this inspired casting choice.
- 4/16/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Pamela Anderson will star opposite Liam Neeson in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun.
In the film, Neeson will take over the role of Sergeant Frank Drebin, famously played by Leslie Nielsen in the late 1980s and early 1990s. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anderson will portray Neeson’s character’s love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original films.
The new Naked Gun movie is co-written and directed by Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island), and is set for release on July 18th, 2025 through Paramount Pictures.
Anderson is also attached to star in The Last Showgirl, an upcoming film from Gia Coppola that features Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, and Kieran Shipka in its cast.
Pamela Anderson to Star with Liam Neeson in Naked Gun Movie
Scoop Harrison...
In the film, Neeson will take over the role of Sergeant Frank Drebin, famously played by Leslie Nielsen in the late 1980s and early 1990s. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anderson will portray Neeson’s character’s love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original films.
The new Naked Gun movie is co-written and directed by Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island), and is set for release on July 18th, 2025 through Paramount Pictures.
Anderson is also attached to star in The Last Showgirl, an upcoming film from Gia Coppola that features Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, and Kieran Shipka in its cast.
Pamela Anderson to Star with Liam Neeson in Naked Gun Movie
Scoop Harrison...
- 4/16/2024
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Film News
Pamela Anderson has landed a major movie role opposite Liam Neeson!
The pair will co-star in the untitled remake of the famed Naked Gun! The original 1988 film starred Leslie Nielsen as a “incompetent police Detective Frank Drebin” who tries to foil an assassination attempt against the Queen. Liam is set to play Frank Drebin in the new film, but plot details have not been disclosed at this time, THR reports.
Keep reading to find out more…
Pamela will be portraying a love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original movie.
So far, the film is set to be released on July 18, 2025. Akiva Schaffer is directing with Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins producing.
Pamela just recently wrapped filming another project!
The pair will co-star in the untitled remake of the famed Naked Gun! The original 1988 film starred Leslie Nielsen as a “incompetent police Detective Frank Drebin” who tries to foil an assassination attempt against the Queen. Liam is set to play Frank Drebin in the new film, but plot details have not been disclosed at this time, THR reports.
Keep reading to find out more…
Pamela will be portraying a love interest in a role similar to the one played by Priscilla Presley in the original movie.
So far, the film is set to be released on July 18, 2025. Akiva Schaffer is directing with Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins producing.
Pamela just recently wrapped filming another project!
- 4/16/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Exclusive: Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin was wrong: Cops and women do mix, and with that we have Pamela Anderson joining Liam Neeson in Paramount Pictures’ untitled Naked Gun reboot, which Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing for a July 18, 2025 theatrical release.
The Baywatch actress of 110 episodes has the comedy chops; she’s starred in such big-screen titles as Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie, both satirical movies ala the spirit of Naked Gun. Anderson also reprised her TV role of C.J. Parker in Paramount’s big-screen 2017 redux of Baywatch that starred Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario.
Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for Naked Gun. Gregor and Mand also wrote the Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing Naked via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
The movie...
The Baywatch actress of 110 episodes has the comedy chops; she’s starred in such big-screen titles as Scary Movie 3 and Superhero Movie, both satirical movies ala the spirit of Naked Gun. Anderson also reprised her TV role of C.J. Parker in Paramount’s big-screen 2017 redux of Baywatch that starred Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario.
Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the draft script along with Schaffer for Naked Gun. Gregor and Mand also wrote the Emmy-winning Disney+ movie Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing Naked via their company Fuzzy Door. Daniel M. Stillman is EP.
The movie...
- 4/16/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Following news of O.J. Simpson’s passing, many are learning about his career in football and entertainment.
He was a Heisman Trophy winner in college and an NFL star throughout the 1980s. Like other athletes, he ventured into roles in movies and television.
Some of Simpson’s television roles came the year of his Heisman Trophy win, including single-episode appearances in popular shows Dragnet, Ironside, and It Takes a Thief.
In the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, he was a recurring character in the popular Naked Gun series.
The detective spoof films starred the late Leslie Nielson as Detective Frank Drebin and Simpson as Detective Fred Nordberg.
Based on scarce details, Simpson’s last movie may have been from the Naked Gun series. However, others might see him listed for the upcoming film Mayday Z.
Eric Roberts and Tara Reid to star in Mayday Z
Based on the cast and synopsis,...
He was a Heisman Trophy winner in college and an NFL star throughout the 1980s. Like other athletes, he ventured into roles in movies and television.
Some of Simpson’s television roles came the year of his Heisman Trophy win, including single-episode appearances in popular shows Dragnet, Ironside, and It Takes a Thief.
In the late 1980s through the mid-1990s, he was a recurring character in the popular Naked Gun series.
The detective spoof films starred the late Leslie Nielson as Detective Frank Drebin and Simpson as Detective Fred Nordberg.
Based on scarce details, Simpson’s last movie may have been from the Naked Gun series. However, others might see him listed for the upcoming film Mayday Z.
Eric Roberts and Tara Reid to star in Mayday Z
Based on the cast and synopsis,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
Liam Neeson is (emotionally) baring all ahead of leading the “Naked Gun” reboot.
The actor told ComingSoon.com that he feels “slightly nervous” about leading a sequel to the iconic comedy films. Neeson says he knows his comedy chops have “to be proven.”
“It has to be proven,” Neeson said of said chops. “So I’m slightly nervous of it. A little Stephen Colbert sketch or Ricky Gervais, I’m Ok because it’s short. But a whole film, we’ll see. We’ll see.”
The original “Naked Gun” films starred Leslie Nielsen as hapless detective Frank Drebin whose cases always become a comedy of errors. The films were a spinoff from short-lived ’80s TV series “Police Squad!” In the new movie, due out next year, Neeson will play the son of Nielsen’s character in a sequel directed by “SNL” and Lonely Island alum Akiva Schaffer, with Seth MacFarlane producing.
The actor told ComingSoon.com that he feels “slightly nervous” about leading a sequel to the iconic comedy films. Neeson says he knows his comedy chops have “to be proven.”
“It has to be proven,” Neeson said of said chops. “So I’m slightly nervous of it. A little Stephen Colbert sketch or Ricky Gervais, I’m Ok because it’s short. But a whole film, we’ll see. We’ll see.”
The original “Naked Gun” films starred Leslie Nielsen as hapless detective Frank Drebin whose cases always become a comedy of errors. The films were a spinoff from short-lived ’80s TV series “Police Squad!” In the new movie, due out next year, Neeson will play the son of Nielsen’s character in a sequel directed by “SNL” and Lonely Island alum Akiva Schaffer, with Seth MacFarlane producing.
- 4/1/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
It may seem sacrilegious to reboot The Naked Gun, but if anyone can fill the brilliantly deadpan shoes of Leslie Nielsen, it will be Liam Neeson. The actor has been attached to the reboot for a few years, but the project finally seems to be moving forward, with production expected to kick off later this year.
While speaking with THR, Liam Neeson was asked why he wanted to tackle a flat-out comedy such as The Naked Gun.
“It’s funny because right before Christmas, my sons and I were looking through the Academy screeners and trying to find something silly, some silly, stupid movie that we could giggle at,” Neeson explained. “There was none, of course, as they were all very heavy and international. I mean, brilliant movies but all very heavy. When Seth MacFarlane approached me about it — this was about two years ago, now — I thought, yeah, I...
While speaking with THR, Liam Neeson was asked why he wanted to tackle a flat-out comedy such as The Naked Gun.
“It’s funny because right before Christmas, my sons and I were looking through the Academy screeners and trying to find something silly, some silly, stupid movie that we could giggle at,” Neeson explained. “There was none, of course, as they were all very heavy and international. I mean, brilliant movies but all very heavy. When Seth MacFarlane approached me about it — this was about two years ago, now — I thought, yeah, I...
- 3/27/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
“Hopefully my other cast members will be funny and sexy,” says Liam Neeson, expressing how nervous he is about starring in The Naked Gun remake.
You’d think that after conquering the world of action cinema, everything else would seem like a doddle, but for Liam Neeson, that isn’t the case. Following 2008’s Taken, the world became thoroughly convinced of Liam Neeson’s ‘hard man’ bona fides.
With long-standing success in that genre now secured, could Neeson be plotting a similar career trajectory to the one Tom Cruise is said to be charting? That means making a few smart choices to gradually move away from action by working with auteur directors in a carefully-staged bid to remind the world of his dramatic chops as an actor.
The answer, of course, is no. Instead, Neeson is heading to the world of absurdist comedy in a remake of 1988’s The Naked Gun.
You’d think that after conquering the world of action cinema, everything else would seem like a doddle, but for Liam Neeson, that isn’t the case. Following 2008’s Taken, the world became thoroughly convinced of Liam Neeson’s ‘hard man’ bona fides.
With long-standing success in that genre now secured, could Neeson be plotting a similar career trajectory to the one Tom Cruise is said to be charting? That means making a few smart choices to gradually move away from action by working with auteur directors in a carefully-staged bid to remind the world of his dramatic chops as an actor.
The answer, of course, is no. Instead, Neeson is heading to the world of absurdist comedy in a remake of 1988’s The Naked Gun.
- 3/26/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Leslie Nielsen famously flipped his career 180 degrees when he started working with the Zuckers — David and Jerry — on the 1980 comedy Airplane! Nielsen was a seasoned dramatic actor who took his serious demeanor and used it to deliver the silliest of lines in a dry manner, resulting in some of the greatest comedy performances. Nielsen was able to become a leading man late in his career in The Naked Gun series, which would then spin him off into more leading roles in similar comedies, which would not necessarily be made by the Zuckers.
Enter Liam Neeson. The thespian has already reinvented himself when the former dramatic actor starred in 2008’s Taken, which showed that he could use his tall stature in the action genre. Neeson’s acting route would eventually land him in some comedy roles, including a self-parody guest spot on Life’s Too Short and working with Seth MacFarlane on...
Enter Liam Neeson. The thespian has already reinvented himself when the former dramatic actor starred in 2008’s Taken, which showed that he could use his tall stature in the action genre. Neeson’s acting route would eventually land him in some comedy roles, including a self-parody guest spot on Life’s Too Short and working with Seth MacFarlane on...
- 3/25/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Anatomy of a Fall actress Sandra Hüller could be making a roast for Akiva Schaffer’s The Naked Gun reboot, so how hot and wet do you like it? A report from industry insider Daniel Richtman says Sandra Hüller is in talks to play the romantic lead in the forthcoming comedy, starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin from the Police Squad series and Naked Gun film trilogy.
In the Naked Gun trilogy, Lt. Frank Drebin falls in love with Jane Spencer (Lisa Marie Presley), an assistant for industrialist Vincent Ludwig, utterly unaware of his villainy. After a slapstick-ridden meet-cute, Frank and Jane form a heated courtship accompanied by steamy home-cooked meals, ultra-protected sex, and trips to the baseball field.
How Liam Neeson and Hüller’s characters cross paths in the Naked Gun reboot remains a mystery. We must also wait...
In the Naked Gun trilogy, Lt. Frank Drebin falls in love with Jane Spencer (Lisa Marie Presley), an assistant for industrialist Vincent Ludwig, utterly unaware of his villainy. After a slapstick-ridden meet-cute, Frank and Jane form a heated courtship accompanied by steamy home-cooked meals, ultra-protected sex, and trips to the baseball field.
How Liam Neeson and Hüller’s characters cross paths in the Naked Gun reboot remains a mystery. We must also wait...
- 3/20/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
It was announced all the way back in 2022 that Paramount was going to be remaking "Naked Gun" with Liam Neeson as the star. There was little movement on the project in terms of additional cast members or a projected release window throughout all of 2023, leading many to believe the film had been scrapped or entered a new circle of Hollywood production hell. While many view the "Naked Gun" films as sacred comedy texts that dare not be remade, it's happening, and there's a pretty incredible team behind it. The "Naked Gun" films famously changed the trajectory of star Leslie Nielsen's career, so perhaps the new film could do the same for the gruff, action antics of Neeson. We're still quite a ways away from the release of the film, so here's everything you need to know about the upcoming remake.
Read more: The 15 Best Comedy Duos Of All Time...
Read more: The 15 Best Comedy Duos Of All Time...
- 3/6/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
The Princess Bride is arguably one of the most influential films of all time. Based on the 1973 novel of the same name, the 1987 film often ranks among the best films of all time, and all of its cast members, including Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin continue to receive recognition for their roles even today.
Liam Neeson in Silence
However, actor Liam Neeson, who is slated to lead a Naked Gun reboot, could have ended up in the iconic film’s cast. During an interview, Neeson spoke about auditioning for a role in the movie. However, Neeson went on to lose the role to one of the most popular wrestlers of the 80s and had to make his name elsewhere. Here is what Neeson revealed about losing the role in The Princess Bride.
SUGGESTEDJamie Dornan Steals the Spotlight After Liam Neeson Shares a Heartwarming Childhood Story About Dakota Johnson...
Liam Neeson in Silence
However, actor Liam Neeson, who is slated to lead a Naked Gun reboot, could have ended up in the iconic film’s cast. During an interview, Neeson spoke about auditioning for a role in the movie. However, Neeson went on to lose the role to one of the most popular wrestlers of the 80s and had to make his name elsewhere. Here is what Neeson revealed about losing the role in The Princess Bride.
SUGGESTEDJamie Dornan Steals the Spotlight After Liam Neeson Shares a Heartwarming Childhood Story About Dakota Johnson...
- 2/29/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
The Naked Gun, also known as Police Squad!, is an American crime spoof-comedy franchise. Having started in 1982 with the TV series Police Squad! aired on the ABC Network, the franchise includes one TV series and three movies, adapted from an original story written by the comedy filmmaking trio Jim Abrahams, and brothers David and Jerry Zucker.
The lead role of Detective Sergeant Franklin ‘Frank’ Drebin in The Naked Gun is played by the late actor Leslie Nielsen. Several other characters appear in the films. One of them is Detective Fred Nordberg, who is portrayed by O. J. Simpson. Recently, creator David Zucker revealed why he had Simpson play the role of Nordberg.
A still from The Naked Gun (1988)
David Zucker on Why O. J. Simpson Was Cast in the Role of Detective Nordberg
O. J. Simpson is a former football running back who played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He...
The lead role of Detective Sergeant Franklin ‘Frank’ Drebin in The Naked Gun is played by the late actor Leslie Nielsen. Several other characters appear in the films. One of them is Detective Fred Nordberg, who is portrayed by O. J. Simpson. Recently, creator David Zucker revealed why he had Simpson play the role of Nordberg.
A still from The Naked Gun (1988)
David Zucker on Why O. J. Simpson Was Cast in the Role of Detective Nordberg
O. J. Simpson is a former football running back who played in the NFL for 11 seasons. He...
- 2/29/2024
- by Ankita
- FandomWire
It’s definite: there’s a new The Naked Gun film on the way, and Paramount has given it a summer 2025 release date. More here.
Well, this has been a long, long, long time coming. We’ve covered before Paramount Pictures’ attempt to get fourth The Naked Gun film moving. At first with the late Leslie Nielsen involved, and then after he passed, for a while it looked like Ed Helms was going to take on the lead role.
Now, it seems that Liam Neeson is to play the son of Nielsen’s Lieutenant Frank Drebin in whatever the new The Naked Gun movie ends up being called.
I’m one of many who’s not been won over yet by the idea of a new The Naked Gun film, but on the flip side, there are some positives. Notably the personnel behind the camera: Akiva Schaffer has previously directed...
Well, this has been a long, long, long time coming. We’ve covered before Paramount Pictures’ attempt to get fourth The Naked Gun film moving. At first with the late Leslie Nielsen involved, and then after he passed, for a while it looked like Ed Helms was going to take on the lead role.
Now, it seems that Liam Neeson is to play the son of Nielsen’s Lieutenant Frank Drebin in whatever the new The Naked Gun movie ends up being called.
I’m one of many who’s not been won over yet by the idea of a new The Naked Gun film, but on the flip side, there are some positives. Notably the personnel behind the camera: Akiva Schaffer has previously directed...
- 2/29/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Liam Neeson is going to try out a different particular set of skills. The “Taken” star will take a pratfall into slapstick comedy in an upcoming reboot of “The Naked Gun,” the supremely silly parody franchise about cops. On Wednesday, Paramount set a July 18, 2025 release date for the movie, Variety reports.
The film, which is currently untitled, will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer, Emmy-winning director of “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” and member of the musical comedy group The Lonely Island. Schaffer wrote the script with “Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers” writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”) and Erica Huggins (“Ted”) are producing through their company Fuzzy Door.
“The Naked Gun” franchise was created by the comedy team of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker with the 1982 TV series “Police Squad!”, which starred Leslie Nielsen as a dimwitted detective named Frank Drebin.
The film, which is currently untitled, will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer, Emmy-winning director of “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” and member of the musical comedy group The Lonely Island. Schaffer wrote the script with “Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers” writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”) and Erica Huggins (“Ted”) are producing through their company Fuzzy Door.
“The Naked Gun” franchise was created by the comedy team of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker with the 1982 TV series “Police Squad!”, which starred Leslie Nielsen as a dimwitted detective named Frank Drebin.
- 2/28/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
Are you ready for the return of bumbling detective Frank Drebin to the big screen? Wait, chances are if you are under 35 you have no idea what we’re referring to. The character was a masterstroke of deadpan humor played by Leslie Nielsen in three motion pictures beginning with “The Naked Gun: From The Files of Police Squad!” in 1988. Today, Paramount Pictures revealed the long-rumored reboot starring Liam Neeson will arrive in theaters on July 18, 2025.
Continue reading Liam Neeson’s ‘Naked Gun’ Reboot Set For July 2025 at The Playlist.
Continue reading Liam Neeson’s ‘Naked Gun’ Reboot Set For July 2025 at The Playlist.
- 2/28/2024
- by The Playlist Staff
- The Playlist
Paramount Pictures has set a release date for its much-delayed The Naked Gun reboot, which will now land in theaters on July 15th, 2025, per Variety.
Starring Liam Neeson, the currently untitled remake will be directed and executive produced by The Lonely Island’s Avika Schaffer, who co-wrote the script with the writing duo of Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing the film through their company Fuzzy Door. Not much else is known about the project at this time.
“It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction,” Neeson previously joked to People (The TV Show) about the role. “I honestly don’t know.”
Born out of the short-lived 1982 crime spoof series Police Squad!, The Naked Gun franchise originally centered around the late Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling police sergeant Frank Drebin. It began in 1988 with the first film, From the Files of Police Squad!
Starring Liam Neeson, the currently untitled remake will be directed and executive produced by The Lonely Island’s Avika Schaffer, who co-wrote the script with the writing duo of Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing the film through their company Fuzzy Door. Not much else is known about the project at this time.
“It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction,” Neeson previously joked to People (The TV Show) about the role. “I honestly don’t know.”
Born out of the short-lived 1982 crime spoof series Police Squad!, The Naked Gun franchise originally centered around the late Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling police sergeant Frank Drebin. It began in 1988 with the first film, From the Files of Police Squad!
- 2/28/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Did you forget that there's a reboot of the parody franchise "The Naked Gun" in the works at Paramount Pictures? Not only is the project still happening, but Paramount Pictures has announced an official release date for the comedy revamp: July 15, 2025. That means cameras should be rolling this year if they haven't already started production without us knowing.
"The Naked Gun" followed Leslie Nielsen as bumbling Los Angeles detective Frank Drebin as he encountered various plots of crime and intrigue, often getting into outlandish, slapstick situations. Based on the short-lived spoof series "The Police Squad!" that aired on ABC in 1982, the film series was infinitely more successful, resulting in two sequels that became solid box office hits. With all the nostalgia there is for rebooting previously successful titles, it was only a matter of time before Paramount circled back around to "The Naked Gun."
However, with studios sparsely taking risks on big-screen comedies,...
"The Naked Gun" followed Leslie Nielsen as bumbling Los Angeles detective Frank Drebin as he encountered various plots of crime and intrigue, often getting into outlandish, slapstick situations. Based on the short-lived spoof series "The Police Squad!" that aired on ABC in 1982, the film series was infinitely more successful, resulting in two sequels that became solid box office hits. With all the nostalgia there is for rebooting previously successful titles, it was only a matter of time before Paramount circled back around to "The Naked Gun."
However, with studios sparsely taking risks on big-screen comedies,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
A Naked Gun reboot that’s long been teased finally has a release date. The cop comedy will star Liam Neeson, though it’s not clear if he’ll play Frank Drebin himself or a new character connected to the wacky detective made famous by the late comedy legend Leslie Nielsen. The Naked Gun reboot will come out in theaters on July 15, 2025, Paramount announced Wednesday, February 28 (per Variety). The so-far untitled film will be directed and executive produced by Akiva Schaffer. Schaffer co-wrote the draft script with Dan Gregor and Doug Man, the writing team behind the live-action and animation hybrid Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers. Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins produce through their production house Fuzzy Door. The Naked Gun came out in 1988 and tracked Nielsen as Frank Drebin, an incompetent police detective who must foil a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II by turning innocent people into assassins through mind control.
- 2/28/2024
- TV Insider
The Naked Gun reboot is about to make 2025 a good year.
Paramount Pictures announced release dates Wednesday for a number of upcoming films. This includes director Akiva Schaffer’s new untitled installment in the Naked Gun comedy franchise hitting theaters July 18, 2025. The movie, first announced back in 2022, stars Liam Neeson and includes Seth MacFarlane as a producer.
The studio also announced that Paw Patrol 3 will launch July 31, 2026, as a follow-up to the studio’s September sequel Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie that topped $200 million globally. The new film hails from Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies. Another animation feature — director Jeff Rowe’s Tmnt 2 — is set for Oct. 9, 2026, as a follow-up to the filmmaker’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which came out last August and collected $180 million worldwide.
Among other titles landing on the studio’s calendar is Novocaine starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder,...
Paramount Pictures announced release dates Wednesday for a number of upcoming films. This includes director Akiva Schaffer’s new untitled installment in the Naked Gun comedy franchise hitting theaters July 18, 2025. The movie, first announced back in 2022, stars Liam Neeson and includes Seth MacFarlane as a producer.
The studio also announced that Paw Patrol 3 will launch July 31, 2026, as a follow-up to the studio’s September sequel Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie that topped $200 million globally. The new film hails from Spin Master Entertainment in association with Nickelodeon Movies. Another animation feature — director Jeff Rowe’s Tmnt 2 — is set for Oct. 9, 2026, as a follow-up to the filmmaker’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which came out last August and collected $180 million worldwide.
Among other titles landing on the studio’s calendar is Novocaine starring Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The joke that makes The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear great is relatively subtle. In fact, as a child, watching this movie over and over again, it went over my head. Only recently, after releasing the episode of Revisited dedicated to the original Naked Gun and discussing the sequels with a friend, did he clue me in on why the sequel is so funny. The whole point of the movie is that the bad guys, a conglomerate of nuclear, coal and oil industry baddies, want to prevent Richard Griffith’s Dr Meinheimer from presenting a speech to the president urging a change to the country’s oil policy. Meinheimer is kidnapped and replaced by a double to stop this speech from happening. Our hero, Leslie Nielsen’s Frank Drebin, has to save Meinheimer so he can present his speech, which he eventually does. But, the best...
- 2/4/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Riggs and Murtagh. Tango and Cash. Starsky and Hutch. John McClane. Frank Bullitt. Dirty Harry Callahan. While those are all tough movie cops, none of them are as hard as nails was perhaps the toughest, most dangerous movie cop of all time… Frank Drebin as played by Leslie Nielsen in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Jump back to 1980. Leslie Nielsen was a character actor known for playing deadpan, ultra-serious roles. He was typically the bad guy of the week on TV shows and TV movies, and his biggest claim to fame was playing the captain in 1956s Forbidden Planet. His career was middling; David Zucker, Jim Abrams and Jerry Zucker, aka Zaz – Zucker-Abrams-Zucker – wanted to cast him in their movie Airplane. He would play the third lead, a deadpan doctor who would perfectly ape similar roles he played in movies like The Poseidon Adventure. While the studio initially balked,...
Jump back to 1980. Leslie Nielsen was a character actor known for playing deadpan, ultra-serious roles. He was typically the bad guy of the week on TV shows and TV movies, and his biggest claim to fame was playing the captain in 1956s Forbidden Planet. His career was middling; David Zucker, Jim Abrams and Jerry Zucker, aka Zaz – Zucker-Abrams-Zucker – wanted to cast him in their movie Airplane. He would play the third lead, a deadpan doctor who would perfectly ape similar roles he played in movies like The Poseidon Adventure. While the studio initially balked,...
- 1/2/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Writer Pat Proft says he’s “blocked” from Naked Gun 4, as he and director David Zucker discuss the planned sequel.
The original The Naked Gun film, starring the much-missed Leslie Nielsen, is remarkably celebrating its 35th birthday. And The Hollywood Reporter has celebrated in time honoured fashioned by chatting to some of the team behind it.
Specifically, co-writer and director David Zucker, and co-writer Pat Proft.
The full piece is here, and there’s much to munch on for the (many) fans of the original film. But towards the end, talk turns to the planned fourth Naked Gun film, that Paramount has in development.
The current plan for Naked Gun 4, which it won’t be called, is for Liam Neeson to play Frank Drebin, with Seth McFarlane producing and the terrific Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) directing.
See also: Naked Gun 4 | The story of the lost sequel, featuring...
The original The Naked Gun film, starring the much-missed Leslie Nielsen, is remarkably celebrating its 35th birthday. And The Hollywood Reporter has celebrated in time honoured fashioned by chatting to some of the team behind it.
Specifically, co-writer and director David Zucker, and co-writer Pat Proft.
The full piece is here, and there’s much to munch on for the (many) fans of the original film. But towards the end, talk turns to the planned fourth Naked Gun film, that Paramount has in development.
The current plan for Naked Gun 4, which it won’t be called, is for Liam Neeson to play Frank Drebin, with Seth McFarlane producing and the terrific Akiva Schaffer (Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) directing.
See also: Naked Gun 4 | The story of the lost sequel, featuring...
- 12/22/2023
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Created by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, the TV series Police Squad! only ran for six episodes back in 1982, but it spawned a popular film franchise that so far consists of three films: The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, The Naked Gun 21⁄2: The Smell of Fear, and Naked Gun 331⁄3: The Final Insult, all three of which had Pat Proft on board as a screenwriter. When it was announced that a straight-to-video sequel called The Naked Gun 4: Rhythm of Evil was moving ahead in 2009 with none of the original creative team involved, that original creative team didn’t react well. That movie didn’t make it into production, but now that a reboot of The Naked Gun is moving forward at Paramount with Akiva Schaffer set to direct the film from a screenplay by Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, Mark Hentemann, Alec Sulkin, and producer Seth MacFarlane,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
‘Naked Gun’ Turns 35: Team on Adapting Failed TV Series, Leslie Nielsen’s Magic, Reboot Frustrations
Turning a short-lived parody TV series into a feature film was always going to involve taking a chance, but as the team behind the Naked Gun franchise learned, it wasn’t quite on the level of sticking your face in a fan.
Following the breakout success of the 1980 smash hit Airplane!, that film’s writer-director team — David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker — found themselves grounded when ABC promptly canceled their police-spoofing show Police Squad! in 1982. But the series’ co-creators refused to let the concept die and went on to adapt it for The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, which Paramount Pictures released theatrically on Dec. 2, 1988. The movie, featuring Leslie Nielsen reprising his Police Squad! lead role as accident-prone police lieutenant Frank Drebin, also starred Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalbán, George Kennedy and O. J. Simpson.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original Naked Gun film that...
Following the breakout success of the 1980 smash hit Airplane!, that film’s writer-director team — David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker — found themselves grounded when ABC promptly canceled their police-spoofing show Police Squad! in 1982. But the series’ co-creators refused to let the concept die and went on to adapt it for The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, which Paramount Pictures released theatrically on Dec. 2, 1988. The movie, featuring Leslie Nielsen reprising his Police Squad! lead role as accident-prone police lieutenant Frank Drebin, also starred Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalbán, George Kennedy and O. J. Simpson.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original Naked Gun film that...
- 12/21/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Liam Neeson’s Frank Drebin may have found his foil in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun, as reports have come out that former Bond villain Mads Mikkelsen may be close to signing on.
As reported by Daniel Richtman, “Mads Mikkelsen is in talks to play the villain Cane.” While no details have come out about Cane and Mikkelsen has not officially inked a deal for the upcoming Naked Gun installment, I would personally love to see him take on the role.
If confirmed, Mads Mikkelsen will join Ricardo Montalbán’s Victor Ludwig from the first Naked Gun, Robert Goulet’s Quentin Hapsburg from The Smell of Fear and Fred Ward’s Rocco Dillon from The Final Insult. Considering that lineup, we would absolutely welcome Mads Mikkelsen to the list of heels trying to outsmart (well…) Frank Drebin. And hey, let’s keep tradition and get “Weird Al” Yankovic...
As reported by Daniel Richtman, “Mads Mikkelsen is in talks to play the villain Cane.” While no details have come out about Cane and Mikkelsen has not officially inked a deal for the upcoming Naked Gun installment, I would personally love to see him take on the role.
If confirmed, Mads Mikkelsen will join Ricardo Montalbán’s Victor Ludwig from the first Naked Gun, Robert Goulet’s Quentin Hapsburg from The Smell of Fear and Fred Ward’s Rocco Dillon from The Final Insult. Considering that lineup, we would absolutely welcome Mads Mikkelsen to the list of heels trying to outsmart (well…) Frank Drebin. And hey, let’s keep tradition and get “Weird Al” Yankovic...
- 11/25/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Raquel Welch had a 50-plus year career in film and television, starring opposite Marcello Mastroianni, Edward G. Robinson, Robin Williams, Jimmy Stewart, Faye Dunaway, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Farrah Fawcett, Jim Brown, Burt Reynolds, Dyan Cannon, James Coburn and many others.
Her breakout role came as Cora in the wild 1966 sci-fi pic Fantastic Voyage, opposite Stephen Boyd, Edmund O’Brien and Arthur Kennedy. Welch then starred as a cavewoman in the 1966 film One Million Years B.C. Her next major film was with Mae West and John Huston in the title role of Myra Breckinridge. She later starred opposite Richard Chamberlain, Oliver Reed and Michael York in 1973’s The Three Musketeers, for which she won a Golden Globe.
Related: Raquel Welch Dies: ‘Fantastic Voyage’, ‘One Million Years B.C.’, & ‘Myra Breckinridge’ Star Was 82
While often celebrated for her appearance, Welch also essayed more serious roles such as the 1987 television drama Right to Die,...
Her breakout role came as Cora in the wild 1966 sci-fi pic Fantastic Voyage, opposite Stephen Boyd, Edmund O’Brien and Arthur Kennedy. Welch then starred as a cavewoman in the 1966 film One Million Years B.C. Her next major film was with Mae West and John Huston in the title role of Myra Breckinridge. She later starred opposite Richard Chamberlain, Oliver Reed and Michael York in 1973’s The Three Musketeers, for which she won a Golden Globe.
Related: Raquel Welch Dies: ‘Fantastic Voyage’, ‘One Million Years B.C.’, & ‘Myra Breckinridge’ Star Was 82
While often celebrated for her appearance, Welch also essayed more serious roles such as the 1987 television drama Right to Die,...
- 2/15/2023
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
He doesn’t know who you are and he doesn’t know what you want, but Liam Neeson will find you and will kill you, especially if you rub him the wrong way. Liam Neeson has now singled out famed UFC icon and stupid tattoo connoisseur Conor McGregor as someone who, by way of mixed martial arts, is giving a bad name to the Irish.
In a new interview with Men’s Health, Liam Neeson bluntly said, “That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t take it.” The “it” Neeson is referring to is UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), which he sees as little more than an organized, multibillion dollar bar fight–which may make sense since McGregor will make his feature debut in the upcoming Road House remake, most certainly tussling with...
In a new interview with Men’s Health, Liam Neeson bluntly said, “That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t take it.” The “it” Neeson is referring to is UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), which he sees as little more than an organized, multibillion dollar bar fight–which may make sense since McGregor will make his feature debut in the upcoming Road House remake, most certainly tussling with...
- 2/5/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Liam Neeson opened up about how he really feels about UFC fighting — and Conor McGregor.
The actor recently sat down with Men’s Health to answer some of the internet’s most burning questions for him, starting with his thoughts on the mixed martial arts fighting.
“UFC, I can’t stand,” Neeson said on an episode of “Don’t Read the Comments.” “That, to me, is like a bar fight. I know the practitioners are like, ‘No, you’re wrong — the months of training we do …’ Why don’t you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over the head? That’s the next stage of the UFC. I hate it.”
He also shared his thoughts on famous UFC fighter McGregor, adding, “That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t take it.
The actor recently sat down with Men’s Health to answer some of the internet’s most burning questions for him, starting with his thoughts on the mixed martial arts fighting.
“UFC, I can’t stand,” Neeson said on an episode of “Don’t Read the Comments.” “That, to me, is like a bar fight. I know the practitioners are like, ‘No, you’re wrong — the months of training we do …’ Why don’t you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over the head? That’s the next stage of the UFC. I hate it.”
He also shared his thoughts on famous UFC fighter McGregor, adding, “That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he’s fit, and I admire him for that. But I can’t take it.
- 2/4/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The name’s Drebin. Detective Frank Drebin of Police Squad. The beloved Leslie Nielsen comedy had recently been given the greenlight for a reboot at Paramount with Liam Neeson stepping in the lead role. Once planned to be a Seth MacFarlane movie, he stays on a producer, and Akiva Schaffer steps in as writer and director of the comedy. Neeson has now said that the production hopes to move forward with shooting to take place this summer, according to Collider.
While Neeson is promoting his more serious film noir, that’s a throwback to a classic, golden era of noir movies, Marlowe, the Taken actor mentioned that the goal is to start sometime this year. “Yes, we’re waiting on a script. Yeah, we’re hoping it’ll happen this year, maybe in the summertime. I approached Seth MacFarlane, he and his team are working on it, the scripts. So,...
While Neeson is promoting his more serious film noir, that’s a throwback to a classic, golden era of noir movies, Marlowe, the Taken actor mentioned that the goal is to start sometime this year. “Yes, we’re waiting on a script. Yeah, we’re hoping it’ll happen this year, maybe in the summertime. I approached Seth MacFarlane, he and his team are working on it, the scripts. So,...
- 1/19/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Prior to 1989, actor Leslie Nielsen was still best known for playing heavies and villains. Even when he appeared in comedy classics like "Airplane!" in 1980 or "Police Squad!" in 1982, his comedic power was derived from his ability to stay stonefaced while absurdity explodes around him. 1989, however, saw the release of "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" a film adaptation of the TV show. In that film, Nielsen played the role of Lt. Frank Drebin broadly, doing a lot of mugging and pratfalls. "The Naked Gun" was an enormous hit the year it was released, and Nielsen went full-bore into slapstick roles and spoof movies after that.
During the 1990s, Nielsen appeared in a litany of gloriously silly flicks like "Spy Hard," "Wrongfully Accused," "Repossessed" (a classic), "Dracula: Dead and Loving It," two of the "Scary Movie" sequels, and many others. Not all of these films were good, but...
During the 1990s, Nielsen appeared in a litany of gloriously silly flicks like "Spy Hard," "Wrongfully Accused," "Repossessed" (a classic), "Dracula: Dead and Loving It," two of the "Scary Movie" sequels, and many others. Not all of these films were good, but...
- 12/11/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When the now disbanded Zaz trio of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker were on their spoof game, they belonged to a very exclusive club that, to this day, includes only Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Monty Python. Their parody run of "Kentucky Fried Movie," "Airplane!," "Top Secret!" and "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" remains unmatched. And while they were likely too talented to miss the mark in their heyday, it's difficult to imagine them drilling the bullseye so emphatically without the deadpan genius of Leslie Nielsen.
When Nielsen was cast as the unflappable Dr. Rumack in "Airplane!," he was best known for his stolid performances in films like "Forbidden Planet," "The Swamp Fox" and "The Poseidon Adventure." He provided instant, deathly serious gravity to every scene he entered. He was no one's idea of a comedic dynamo, which is why he was perfect for the part of Rumack.
When Nielsen was cast as the unflappable Dr. Rumack in "Airplane!," he was best known for his stolid performances in films like "Forbidden Planet," "The Swamp Fox" and "The Poseidon Adventure." He provided instant, deathly serious gravity to every scene he entered. He was no one's idea of a comedic dynamo, which is why he was perfect for the part of Rumack.
- 11/1/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
When you look at the world of big screen parodies, there's truly nothing like what David Zucker and company were doing back in their heyday. I grew up in the era where Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer were in the business of pumping out absolute dreck year after year, confusing half-baked references as comedy. I'd gotten my first real taste with "Scary Movie 3," which still holds a special place in my heart, but once I'd become acquainted with Zucker's previous work, I knew what I had been missing out on all this time.
The humor in "Airplane!" involves very specific references, but the key to its longevity was taking an absurd series of events, and taking them very seriously. With that comes the comedy emergence of "Forbidden Planet" actor Leslie Nielsen, who had primarily played more dramatic characters prior to this role. It's no wonder his comedy career soared...
The humor in "Airplane!" involves very specific references, but the key to its longevity was taking an absurd series of events, and taking them very seriously. With that comes the comedy emergence of "Forbidden Planet" actor Leslie Nielsen, who had primarily played more dramatic characters prior to this role. It's no wonder his comedy career soared...
- 10/27/2022
- by Matthew Bilodeau
- Slash Film
The 1982 TV series "Police Squad!," created by the famed Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker (Zaz) comedy team, only lasted six episodes, but it remains one of the best TV shows of all time. In a strange way, its early cancelation was artistically fortuitous. Its small volume allows the show's many fans to savor what was provided. Additionally, the showrunners, fond of repeated jokes and running gags, never had a chance to run their humor into the ground. There's not a lot of "Police Squad!" in terms of raw numbers, but in terms of comedy, it was a feast.
Six years later, Paramount allowed the Zaz team to resurrect their creation on the big screen as a means of introducing the tiny cult series to a larger audiences. David Zucker's "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" repeated a lot of the jokes from the series, and brought back star...
Six years later, Paramount allowed the Zaz team to resurrect their creation on the big screen as a means of introducing the tiny cult series to a larger audiences. David Zucker's "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" repeated a lot of the jokes from the series, and brought back star...
- 10/21/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Veteran action star has agreed to lead a revival of the much-loved police spoof franchise starring Leslie Nielsen
Liam Neeson is set to step into the brogues of the late Leslie Nielsen in a reboot of the police spoof classic The Naked Gun.
The original Naked Gun trilogy were slapstick crime-procedural parodies created by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, starring Nielsen as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, a good-natured but gullible detective who originated in the shortlived 1982 TV series Police Squad! The first film was released in 1988 and was a critical hit that made 140m. Two sequels – 1991’s The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear and 1994’s Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult – were also commercial successes.
Liam Neeson is set to step into the brogues of the late Leslie Nielsen in a reboot of the police spoof classic The Naked Gun.
The original Naked Gun trilogy were slapstick crime-procedural parodies created by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, starring Nielsen as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, a good-natured but gullible detective who originated in the shortlived 1982 TV series Police Squad! The first film was released in 1988 and was a critical hit that made 140m. Two sequels – 1991’s The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear and 1994’s Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult – were also commercial successes.
- 10/14/2022
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
Seth MacFarlane and Akiva Schaffer are officially courting actor Liam Neeson for ‘Naked Gun’ remake.
The ‘Taken’ actor is in talks to lead the modern version of the ’80s slapstick film, Variety confirms, reports ‘Variety’.
Schaffer, the ‘Chip an Dale: Rescue Rangers’ filmmaker and Lonely Island member, will direct and executive produce the movie.
Schaffer penned the screenplay with “Chip an Dale” writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing through their company Fuzzy Door.
Neeson sparked chatter online about reviving the ’80s comedy earlier this year, telling “People (The TV Show)” that McFarlane and Paramount had been pursuing him to resurrect the ‘Naked Gun’ films. However, the actor has still yet to sign on the dotted line.
“It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction. I honestly don’t know,” Neeson told “People (The TV Show)”.
Paramount’s original ‘Naked Gun...
The ‘Taken’ actor is in talks to lead the modern version of the ’80s slapstick film, Variety confirms, reports ‘Variety’.
Schaffer, the ‘Chip an Dale: Rescue Rangers’ filmmaker and Lonely Island member, will direct and executive produce the movie.
Schaffer penned the screenplay with “Chip an Dale” writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. MacFarlane and Erica Huggins are producing through their company Fuzzy Door.
Neeson sparked chatter online about reviving the ’80s comedy earlier this year, telling “People (The TV Show)” that McFarlane and Paramount had been pursuing him to resurrect the ‘Naked Gun’ films. However, the actor has still yet to sign on the dotted line.
“It’ll either finish my career or bring it in another direction. I honestly don’t know,” Neeson told “People (The TV Show)”.
Paramount’s original ‘Naked Gun...
- 10/14/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.