Hold onto your hats (and dental work) because the world of outrageous parodies is getting a major injection of laughter with the upcoming Naked Gun reboot. After years of dormancy, this slapstick spoof franchise is poised to return with a brand new chapter titled simply, “Naked Gun: Reloaded!”
But fear not, purists! This isn’t a straight-up remake aiming to replace the side-splitting antics of the late Leslie Nielsen. Instead, “Reloaded” promises to be a requel, following the exploits of a new generation while staying true to the franchise’s signature brand of absurdist humor. Let’s dive into the details and see what explosive surprises await us.
When Will Naked Gun: Reloaded Hit Theaters?
Mark your calendars! Naked Gun: Reloaded is currently scheduled to blast its way onto the big screen on July 18th, 2025. That means we’ll be treated to a fresh wave of laugh-out-loud moments over 30 years after the release of the last installment, 1994’s “The Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult.” Looks like “final” wasn’t quite so final after all!
A Fresh Take on a Classic Spoof
According to reports, “Reloaded” takes a more interesting approach than a typical remake. Instead of attempting to fill Leslie Nielsen’s iconic shoes as Detective Frank Drebin, the film will introduce us to Frank Drebin Jr., the bumbling son of the legendary detective, taking on a new case that’s sure to be riddled with side-splitting chaos.
This choice is a wise one for several reasons. Firstly, replacing Nielsen would be a near-impossible feat. Secondly, the oversaturation of uninspired remakes makes the path of a requel much more appealing. It allows the story to evolve while staying connected to the beloved original.
There’s also the question of whether the original films, particularly with their reliance on figures like O.J. Simpson, would fully resonate with modern audiences. “Reloaded” presents an opportunity to revisit the franchise’s core elements – physical comedy, witty wordplay, and an absurd send-up of cop movie tropes – in a fresh and relevant way.
Liam Neeson Takes the Helm (But Not That Helm)
While the news of the original Drebin not being recast might raise eyebrows, the casting of Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. is an inspired choice. Neeson, best known for his action hero roles in the “Taken” franchise, has dabbled in comedic territory before, with appearances in “The LEGO Movie” and a hilarious cameo on “Atlanta.” His signature intensity, juxtaposed with the film’s outlandish situations, could create a perfect comedic formula.
Here’s a closer look at some of the other exciting names joining the “Naked Gun: Reloaded” cast:
- Paul Walter Hauser (Captain Ed Hocken): Fresh off his critically acclaimed work in “Black Bird” and “I, Tonya,” Hauser is poised to bring his comedic timing to the role of Captain Hocken, presumably the son of the original’s Captain George Kennedy.
- Pamela Anderson: The “Baywatch” icon makes a long-awaited return to the big screen with an undisclosed role described as a love interest for the younger Drebin, reminiscent of Priscilla Presley’s Jane Spencer in the original trilogy.
- Kevin Durand (“90s Villain”): Known for his villainous roles (Smokin’ Aces, Locke & Key), Durand brings a touch of menace (with likely hilarious results) as the film’s “90s villain.”
- Danny Huston: Another veteran of villainous portrayals (“30 Days of Night”), Huston adds further depth to the film’s antagonist roster.
The cast also boasts a diverse mix of rising stars and established names, including:
- Liza Koshy: The viral sensation and rising actress (Good Burger 2, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) brings her comedic energy to the table.
- Cody Rhodes: Professional wrestler Cody Rhodes carries on the tradition of athlete cameos in the franchise (O.J. Simpson, Reggie Jackson).
- CCH Pounder: The Emmy-nominated actress (The Shield, ER) adds her talent to the mix.
- Busta Rhymes: The Grammy-nominated rapper keeps the tradition of musical cameos alive (following “Weird Al” Yankovic’s appearances in the originals).
The Lonely Island’s Akiva Schaffer Takes the Director’s Chair (Continued)
Following in the footsteps of the original’s directors, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams, Pat Proft, and Peter Segal, “Naked Gun: Reloaded” is entrusted to the comedic genius of Akiva Schaffer. Schaffer is best known for his work with The Lonely Island alongside Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone. His credits include directing the hilarious “Hot Rod” and the critically acclaimed mockumentary, “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.” More recently, he helmed the successful Disney+ reboot, “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers,” showcasing his ability to breathe new life into classic properties.
Schaffer also co-wrote the screenplay for “Reloaded” alongside Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, Mark Hentemann, and Alec Sulkin. The story itself comes from the mind of producer Seth MacFarlane, known for his brand of edgy humor on shows like “Family Guy” and “The Orville.” MacFarlane’s past collaborations with Neeson (voice acting in “Family Guy,” antagonist role in “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” cameo in “Ted 2”) hint at a potential comedic meeting of the minds between the two.
Cameras Rolled in May 2024: Gearing Up for Laughs
Early reports suggested filming for “Naked Gun: Reloaded” began in May 2024, a detail confirmed by Kevin Durand himself. This timeline puts the movie on track for its scheduled July 2025 release, ensuring a summer filled with guffaws.
Relive the Origin Story: How to Watch the Original Naked Gun Trilogy
While we eagerly await “Reloaded,” why not revisit the side-splitting antics that started it all? The good news is that all three films – the original 1988’s “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!”, 1991’s “The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear,” and 1994’s “The Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult” – are available to stream with a Max subscription.
Unfortunately, the short-lived television series “Police Squad!” that spawned the franchise isn’t currently available on streaming services, but it can be purchased on physical media (DVD or Blu-ray) for those comedy completists out there.
So, there you have it, everything we know so far about the highly anticipated “Naked Gun: Reloaded.” With a talented cast, a creative team, and a return to the franchise’s signature absurdist humor, this requel has all the makings of a laugh riot. Mark your calendars, get ready to chuckle (or maybe snort with laughter), because come July 18th, 2025, “Naked Gun” is poised to reload and deliver a fresh wave of comedic mayhem.
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