Akiva Schaffer Revives Naked Gun Comedy Franchise with Liam Neeson

Akiva Schaffer, director and co-writer of the 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun, is on a mission to revive the theatrical spoof comedy genre amid a broader industry trend where studio comedies have largely moved to streaming platforms. Schaffer, inspired by the Zucker Brothers' model, aims to bring audiences back to theaters with a film that balances absurd humor and practical effects, also emphasizing filming on the Paramount Studios lot to reconnect with Hollywood traditions. Liam Neeson stars as Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character, with critics generally praising Neeson’s deadpan comedic performance, although some note he lacks the unique innocence Nielsen brought to the role. The reboot reflects a nostalgic desire to restore the kind of big-screen comedy experiences that have become rare, as Schaffer himself recalls being inspired by the original Naked Gun films in his youth. Despite the challenges, the film is seen as a hopeful step toward rejuvenating theatrical comedies, leveraging star power, classic spoof elements, and a dedication to traditional filmmaking craft. This effort highlights a significant cultural moment in comedy filmmaking, as studios and creators navigate changing audience behaviors and industry shifts.