✨ The Naked Gun Reboot: First Reactions From the Premiere

The legacy of Leslie Nielsen lives on as The Naked Gun reboot, starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., premiered to rave early reactions. The film releases in theaters on August 1, 2025, and the premiere buzz suggests fans of the original franchise are in for a treat.

😂 Goofy, Nostalgic, and “Deliciously Stupid

Critics and early viewers unanimously describe the new film as a successful return to the classic slapstick essence:

• Variety’s Katcy Stephan praises it as “deliciously stupid,” noting it honors the humor of Nielsen-era comedies.
  

• IGN highlighted how much fun the filmmakers seemed to have making “an actual comedy movie.”
  

👤 Neeson & Anderson Steal the Show

• Liam Neeson, stepping into a comedic lead role, has surprised audiences with deadpan precision and timing reminiscent of the originals. One fan wrote, “If there was any justice, Liam Neeson would get an Oscar.”
  

• Pamela Anderson, cast as Beth Davenport, won hearts both on-screen and off: Her affectionate cheek kiss with Neeson at the London premiere was widely shared and praised.
  

• Anderson shared she received guidance from Priscilla Presley—original cast member—who urged her to embrace the movie's silliness.
  

🎥 Marketing That Matches the Tone

Paramount’s promotional campaign leans into nostalgic absurdity:

• A faux public service announcement featuring Neeson urging support for theatrical comedies—titled “Save Comedy”—sparks laughs while paying tribute to Leslie Nielsen with a classic fart gag.
  

• The film’s marketing includes a themed popcorn bucket referencing the original franchise’s famous “Nice beaver” gag.
  

⏱ A Refreshingly Tight Runtime

At just 85 minutes, the reboot is lean, punchy, and makes no digressions—much like its predecessors. Early viewers praised the compact format as ideal for delivering sustained comedy.

🎭 Supporting Cast & Legacy Elements

The reboot boasts a star-studded ensemble: Paul Walter Hauser, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Durand, Liza Koshy, Danny Huston, CCH Pounder, and Busta Rhymes. Directed by Akiva Schaffer (of The Lonely Island), co-written with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, the film serves as a legacy sequel to Naked Gun 33⅓.

"The Naked Gun reboot revives classic absurdity with modern flair – fans and critics alike are celebrating it as one of the funniest films of 2025."

With endorsements calling it a return to form, standouts in performance chemistry, and nostalgia-infused promotion, the reboot looks set to fulfill franchise expectations while appealing to new audiences.

In theaters August 1, 2025.