First Critics’ Reactions to New ‘Naked Gun’ with Liam Neeson Arrive, with Many Praising the Film

A new chapter in the beloved “Naked Gun” franchise is officially here, bringing with it a fresh face in the lead role and a wave of anticipation. The slapstick comedy series, which originally starred the late Leslie Nielsen as the bumbling detective Frank Drebin, is a classic of the genre. The decision to reboot the franchise with a new star has been a topic of conversation for years.

The new film follows the son of the original protagonist, continuing the legacy of comedic crime-fighting. Development on this new installment has been in the works for a while, with “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane joining as a producer in 2021. The project comes from director Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with The Lonely Island and on films like “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.”

The much-anticipated reboot, simply titled “The Naked Gun,” stars Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. Neeson, known for his serious action roles, steps into the shoes of the clumsy detective. The film was released in the United States on August 1, 2025, after a premiere in New York City on July 28, 2025.

Joining Neeson is a star-studded cast, including Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport, a witty investigative partner and potential love interest. The cast also features Paul Walter Hauser as Captain Ed Hocken Jr., Kevin Durand as the villain Sig Gustafson, and Danny Huston as a tech mogul named Richard Cane. The plot centers on Frank Drebin Jr. as he attempts to solve a murder connected to Cane, all while trying to prevent the Police Squad unit from being shut down.

Early reactions from critics are overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing the film as a hilarious and worthy successor to the original series. IndieWire’s David Ehrlich described having laughed so hard he cried during multiple scenes.

Others have echoed this sentiment, with one critic for Movie Maker praising the movie for having the “highest joke-to-minute ratio since Jackass Forever.”

Many viewers who attended advanced screenings took to social media to share their delight, with some stating they missed jokes because the theater was laughing so loudly. The consensus points to Neeson’s performance being a standout, with his deadpan delivery perfectly capturing the spirit of the original films. Pamela Anderson’s comedic timing has also been singled out for praise.

While some have noted that not every single joke lands, the overall feeling is that “The Naked Gun” is a “small miracle” in today’s comedic landscape and a “masterclass in buffoonery.” The film is being celebrated as a successful revival of the spoof genre, offering a steady stream of gags and absurd visual comedy.