Paramount opened its CinemaCon presentation with a decidedly Mission: Impossible-heavy focus, but before plunging into that franchise, the studio surprised attendees by unveiling the official trailer for its upcoming action-comedy, The Naked Gun. True to the series’ irreverent style, Paramount is cheekily promoting it as “The single most important Naked Gun movie since the other Naked Gun movies.”
The teaser, though short, offers a first look at Liam Neeson stepping into the role of Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic Lt. Frank Drebin. The brief footage shows Neeson thwarting a bank heist in a manner that seems both heroic and absurd—hallmarks of the Naked Gun brand. Even in these quick cuts, it’s clear the film intends to pay homage to the legacy of Nielsen’s beloved character, blending over-the-top action with offbeat, slapstick humor.
Slated to hit theaters amid a busy summer lineup, The Naked Gun is positioned as a comedic palate cleanser alongside splashy blockbusters. Its release follows Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps and will land opposite both The Bad Guys 2, an animated sequel, and Together, an upcoming body horror flick. While most box-office forecasts anticipate Fantastic Four to dominate the charts again, The Naked Gun could carve out its own successful niche—particularly if Paramount’s marketing remains as memorable as this initial poster and trailer suggest.
For fans, one of the most promising elements is how the film honors the original series while forging its own path. Neeson, known primarily for his intense action roles, appears poised to bring a fresh but familiar energy to the ridiculous scenarios Lieutenant Frank Drebin used to navigate. With just a few comedic beats on display in the teaser, it’s clear he’s leaning into the franchise’s signature silliness, a pivot from the more stoic characters he typically portrays.
The film’s tonal balance—a fusion of action, slapstick comedy, and a hint of nostalgia—could resonate well with audiences craving a lighthearted counterpoint to the summer’s more conventional action fare. If the comedic and marketing sensibilities hold up, The Naked Gun just might become a sleeper favorite, echoing the bumbling genius that made the original films timeless. For now, fans can only wait to see how Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. manages to uphold his father’s legacy—one outrageous set piece at a time.
In addition to Neeson (Taken; The Grey; Schindler’s List), the supporting cast consists of Pamela Anderson (Baywatch; Barb Wire; Pam & Tommy), Paul Walter Hauser (Richard Jewell; Cruella; Black Bird), CCH Pounder (NCIS: New Orleans; Avatar; The Shield), Kevin Durand (The Strain; X-Men Origins: Wolverine; Locke & Key), Cody Rhodes (WWE Raw; Arrow; Go-Big Show), Liza Koshy (Liza on Demand; Transformers: Rise of the Beasts; Work It), Eddie Yu (Extrapolations; The Last Ship; Homeland), and Danny Huston (Wonder Woman; X-Men Origins: Wolverine; Children of Men).
Akiva Schaffer (Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers; Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping; Hot Rod) is directing, with a screenplay he co-wrote with Dan Gregor (Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers; Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; How I Met Your Mother) and Doug Mand (Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers; Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; Dolittle).
The Naked Gun hits theaters August 1!
Watch the new trailer below:
Only one man has the particular set of skills... to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father's footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the case are cast Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.