Movies

You Can’t Replace Nielsen!

BBG News

Recently, during the trailer release for “The Naked Gun” remake, Liam Neeson was seen sporting a pair of women’s undergarments, sparking curiosity among viewers about what changes might be in store for this beloved comedy classic. Fans are eagerly anticipating its release, but some remain skeptical, including the original director of the “Naked Gun” films, Jerry Zucker. Known as one-third of the creative team behind parody classics like “Top Secret!” and “Airplane!”, Zucker has expressed his disapproval of Neeson’s casting and the studio’s choice to not involve any of the original creators in the remake.

During an interview with Fox News, Zucker discussed the upcoming remake of the movie “The Naked Gun”, scheduled for release in theaters on August 1, 2025. Originating from the 1982 television series “Police Squad!”, this production features Leslie Nielsen in a leading role and was created by Zucker, his brother Jerry, and Jim Abrahams. The first trailer was recently unveiled, showcasing Liam Neeson’s controversial comedic performance. As for Zucker’s feelings about the adaptation, he stated, “You can’t replace Leslie Nielsen. That’s the challenge.” He also expressed some reservations about the changes being made to his beloved project.

Although it hurts me, I must admit it’s not how I would have approached the situation. Still, I can’t help but feel critical of their actions, but I prefer to maintain a constructive perspective. Nonetheless, it’s disconcerting for me to observe something so different from our usual approach.

The upcoming “Naked Gun” film features Liam Neeson alongside Kevin Durand, Paul Walter Hauser, Pamela Anderson, Liza Koshy, and Cody Rhodes, among others. This movie is helmed by Akiva Schaffer, a veteran from Saturday Night Live, and produced by Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy. Earlier, Zucker had stepped away from this remake project, which eventually came under MacFarlane’s control. Back then, Zucker felt his comedic style might not be considered for the reboot. However, it appears that his perspective hasn’t changed over time.

Jim Abrahams, in response to questions during Q&A sessions, often humorously explained why there has never been an Airplane II by saying something like, “If my child chose a profession I found distasteful, would I still insist on observing them at work?

These comedies, ‘The Naked Gun’ and ‘Airplane!’, are like our cherished offspring, nurtured and developed by us over time. It came as a shock to me when I wasn’t involved in their subsequent remakes.

Can MacFarlane and Company Reignite the ‘Naked Gun’ Style of Humor for Today’s Audiences?

For many years, MacFarlane has demonstrated his comedic talent through shows such as Family Guy and American Dad!, and films like Ted show that he isn’t afraid to push boundaries when it comes to ratings. If there’s anyone who could make a Naked Gun movie while staying true to the comedic style of the Leslie Nielsen films, it would be him.

Nevertheless, having Zucker on board, in any capacity, was an obvious choice. It would have added that special flair that made Frank Drebin’s comedic escapades iconic within the genre. Initially, the director appeared content with how the remake was shaping up. But before things took a turn for the worse, Zucker had stated earlier:

It was clear that having Zucker involved, whether as a consultant or otherwise, would be a smart move. It would have given the project the unique touch that made Frank Drebin’s comedic adventures so memorable within the genre. Initially, the director seemed satisfied with how the remake was progressing. However, before things started going wrong, Zucker had previously commented:

Initially, I thought I would take care of it myself. However, we ended up drafting a screenplay. Then, unexpectedly, Seth MacFarlane arrived with Liam Neeson, marking the entrance of a major studio, agency, and producer. They were genuinely enthusiastic about their plans, aiming to recreate The Naked Gun. It’s important to note that these aren’t bad individuals; they admire and appreciate films like The Naked Gun, Top Secret!, Airplane!, and Seth MacFarlane has paid tribute to these comedies through Family Guy. Overall, it was a pleasant surprise.

He phoned me and spent about 10 minutes expressing his admiration for my films. Interestingly, when I learned he was going to do this, I found myself feeling a bit humble, hoping he might need assistance or want me involved. But he made it clear that we needed to work on the script first before anything else. He didn’t feel inclined to meet with me. So, that’s his decision. All I can add is, ‘That’s just how Hollywood works.’

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2025-04-18 02:37

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