Why original 'Naked Gun' director says he won't watch reboot
Share this @internewscast.com

This weekend marks the return of Lt. Frank Drebin’s hilariously chaotic world to cinemas, as “The Naked Gun” series is revived for the first time in over three decades. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, known for “Pop Star: Never Stop Never Stopping,” the 2025 version of “The Naked Gun” introduces Liam Neeson as the lead, stepping into the role of Drebin’s son, originally portrayed by the late Leslie Nielsen.

Although initial feedback on the new “The Naked Gun” movie has been favorable, one notable figure remains absent from the discussion: David Zucker. Zucker, who directed the first two films of the series and contributed as a writer and producer to the third, has opted not to share his views on the new film.

Zucker — also recognized for his work on the “Airplane!” and “Scary Movie” franchises — expressed his disappointment to TMZ back in April after watching the trailer for the reboot, voicing his dissatisfaction and lamenting the fact that he was not involved in this new installment’s creation.

“I avoided watching ‘Airplane 2’ for a reason; some things you can’t unsee. I have no intention of watching the ‘Naked Gun’ remake either,” Zucker explained to TMZ. “I regret even watching the trailer for it.”

Zucker, at 77, compared watching the new film’s trailer to a notoriously notorious 2007 viral video involving two girls and a drink container, stating, “I can’t unsee it,” to emphasize his distaste.

SANTA MONICA, CA – 1988: Directors, writers and producers Jerry Zucker (left), Robert K. Weiss, and David Zucker, pose during the 1988 Santa Monica, California, filming of the comedy, “The Naked Gun.” (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Zucker shared that in 2018, his team had submitted a script for the revival to Paramount, who reportedly showed interest. However, he was taken aback when he learned that the studio had decided to move forward with a different team. Despite being offered a producer credit during production, Zucker declined it due to his dissatisfaction with the script.

“I read the script and I politely told them I wasn’t going to put my name on it,” Zucker told the Hollywood Reporter. “They wanted nothing from me except my name. They assume I’m old and using a walker and I can’t do it anymore. I guess talent leaves after age 40 in Hollywood.”

Zucker also told THR in a different interview in May that he had doubts about the casting of Neeson, saying, “Everybody thinks that they can do it, do spoof. It’s really, really specific.”

Production drama aside, “The Naked Gun” has plenty of anticipation behind it. In addition to Neeson, pop culture icon Pamela Anderson also joins as the film’s female lead. Anderson, 58, received rave reviews last year for her return to the big screen in Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl.”

“The Naked Gun” opens nationwide August 1.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

East Tennessee Task Force Crackdown: Massive Fentanyl and THC Seizure Unveiled

An extensive investigation in East Tennessee has culminated in the confiscation of…

Remembering Bob Weir: Celebrating the Legacy of a Grateful Dead Icon at 78

Bob Weir, the renowned guitarist, singer, and one of the founding members…

Persistent Bear Strikes Gatlinburg Candy Store for a Sweet Heist Again

A bear made an unwelcome return to a Gatlinburg candy store, prompting…

Bristol Activists Launch Innovative Community Food and Goods Box Initiative

BRISTOL, VA. (WJHL) – On Saturday, the Bristol Action Group, a local…

Community Advocates Demand Justice as Suspects in Hamblen County Fatal Shooting Face Court

During a bond hearing on Friday morning, new insights emerged regarding the…

Central Florida Rallies for Justice: Nationwide Outrage Over Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

CASSELBERRY, Fla. – The tragic shooting of a Minneapolis driver by ICE…

Convicted Capitol Rioter Pursues Local Office in Florida County After Infamous Pelosi Podium Incident

In a surprising turn of events, Adam Johnson, a Florida man widely…

Legendary Grateful Dead Guitarist Bob Weir Passes Away at 78

Bobby’s influence on American music was unmatched, leaving an indelible mark with…

Florida Unveils Exciting New License Plate Designs for 2023: See What’s Coming to the Sunshine State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Florida’s legislative session draws near, a flurry of…

Trump Issues Executive Order to Safeguard Venezuelan Oil Assets Amid Economic Turmoil

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – In a strategic move, President Donald Trump…

Nicaragua Releases Detainees Amid US Diplomatic Pressure: A Step Toward Improved Relations?

MEXICO CITY – In a surprising turn of events, Nicaragua’s Interior Ministry…

Supreme Court Case Could Mark Final Sports Season for Transgender Teen Athlete

WASHINGTON – Becky Pepper-Jackson, a sophomore and talented discus thrower from West…