Original ‘Naked Gun’ Director Blasts Reboot: ‘They’re Just in It for the Money’
The Naked Gun franchise, renowned for its absurd slapstick comedy and Leslie Nielsen’s iconic deadpan delivery, is getting a modern reboot—but not all its creators are on board. David Zucker, who co-directed the 1988 classic, has openly criticized the remake, accusing it of copying the original’s style while missing its essence.
In a candid interview, Zucker didn’t hold back: “They’re trying to copy our style, but everybody’s in it for the money.”
Why the Original ‘Naked Gun’ Was Comedy Gold
The original trilogy—The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) and its sequels—starred Nielsen as the hilariously inept Detective Frank Drebin. Directed by Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker (the minds behind Airplane!), the films thrived on precision-timed gags, visual humor, and Nielsen’s unwavering commitment to the absurd.
Zucker emphasized that the new team misses the point:
“Our comedy wasn’t just randomness—it was about rhythm, subtlety, and selling the joke. Today, it feels like they’re just throwing things at the wall.”
Liam Neeson’s Casting Sparks Debate
The reboot, starring Liam Neeson as Drebin, has faced skepticism from fans. While Neeson’s dramatic chops are unquestioned, Zucker doubts his fit for Zucker-Abrahams-style comedy:
“Leslie was one-of-a-kind. You can’t just swap in another actor and expect the same magic.”
Neeson himself acknowledges the challenge:
“I’m not trying to replace Leslie—just bring something new.”
Hollywood’s Reboot Problem: Nostalgia vs. Greed
Zucker’s critique taps into a broader Hollywood trend: studios prioritizing safe bets over originality.
“They’d rather rehash old hits than take risks,” he said, echoing fan frustrations over soulless remakes.
Fan Reactions: Can the Reboot Work?
Online discussions are split:
– “Nielsen IS Drebin—this is sacrilege!”
– “If done right, it could revive a dying genre.”
The Bigger Question: Should Classic Comedies Be Rebooted?
Recent attempts (Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Coming 2 America) show mixed results. Zucker’s warning rings true: “Great comedy needs passion, not just profit.”
As the reboot gears up, one thing’s clear—Zucker’s skepticism ensures the pressure’s on.
Do reboots ruin classics, or can they honor them? Share your take below!
