The Naked Gun Reboot: Nostalgia or Comic Misfire? Our Verdict

The Naked Gun returned to theaters in 2025 with a reboot starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic detective. Directed by Akiva Schaffer (of The Lonely Island), this reboot aimed to revive classic slapstick comedy for a new era. So, did it hit the mark?

A Fresh Take vs. Original Expectations

Fans of the 1988 Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! might dread a remake of such a cult classic. Yet reviewers like those at CinemaBlend were pleasantly surprised. Instead of copying the nonstop gag-heavy style of Zucker–Abrahams–Zucker, the new film opts for a more restrained comedic tone. Neeson’s deadpan serious style, rather than loud parody, proves to be a smart and fitting choice.Reddit+15CinemaBlend+15The Washington Post+15

Still, director David Zucker, who helmed the original, declined to take producer credit and will not even watch the reboot. He praised the filmmakers but accepted no connection to its creative vision.People

Box Office & Audience Feedback

The reboot made around $1.6 million in preview screenings and opened to about $16–17 million over the weekend, a decent result for a mid‑budget comedy in today’s market.IMDb
The worldwide total sits near $30.2 million, just below its $42 million budget, leaving it a modest performancese rather than a financial hit.Reddit+15Wikipedia+15IMDb+15

Despite the underwhelming income, the movie earned strong backing from audiences, with a CinemaScore of A‑. That puts it in line with the original’s fan approval.IMDb

What Worked — And What Didn’t

✅ Highlights

• Neeson’s casting worked well: his dramatic background gave Drebin Jr. a straight‑faced seriousness that played well against absurd situations.
• Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Danny Huston, and others add charm and energy in supporting roles.
• The film brought back old-school physical gags, absurd visual jokes, and parody humor rarely seen in theaters these days.CinemaBlend+11thesun.co.uk+11IMDb+11

❌ Limitations

• Critics at AP News and Houston Chronicle found the humor inconsistent, with some gags feeling forced or over-the-top sci-fi heavy.
• Washington Post noted that the tone drifted between parody and overreverence, losing some spontaneity of the original.Associated Press
• Many jokes relied on nostalgia rather than fresh invention, making the comedy feel safe rather than bold.Associated Pressomni.se

Culture & Context

Mid‑budget comedies have struggled theatrically for years. Studios often keep them exclusive to streaming. So a reboot like Naked Gun is rare—and risky. Audience demand exists, but the genre’s success depends on timing, casting, and creative risk—not nostalgia alone.Reddit+3gq.com+3People+3

On Reddit, fans expressed cautious optimism. Many said Neeson, like Nielsen before him, benefits from dramatic credibility. Others worried that without the comedic timing of a known comic, the film might fall flat.Reddit+3Reddit+3Associated Press+3

Final Verdict

So is The Naked Gun reboot a nostalgic triumph or a comic misfire?

The answer is both. It’s entertaining and packs in laughs, especially for fans craving silly, physical comedy. Neeson’s performance and the supporting cast add punch. But the film rarely matches the anarchic genius or emotional tone of the original. Where the 1988 version dazzled with chaos and surprise, this remake often plays safe—even when it wants to be bold.

In short:

• If you miss smart, absurd spoof comedies, you’ll probably enjoy this.
• If you expect the genius of Leslie Nielsen’s performance, you might feel something important is missing.

Ultimately, the film succeeds enough to honor the spirit of the franchise—but doesn’t surpass it. It’s fun, nostalgic, but not groundbreaking.