The Naked Gun is getting a reboot that will reimagine the classic comedy movie series with Liam Neeson in the lead. More cast members are now starting to get announced as the project prepares for production.
Per THR, Paul Walter Hauser has joined the cast of The Naked Gun. The actor’s role has also been revealed, as it’s noted that he’s playing Captain Ed, the character played by George Kennedy in the original films.
He will star alongside Neeson, who’s playing Frank Drebin, a new incarnation of Leslie Nielsen’s character. Pamela Anderson has also been cast for the movie as a love interest for Neeson’s Frank Drebin. THR has also revealed that Kevin Durand has joined the cast alongside Hauser to play one of the villains.
Many know Liam Neeson as the face of the Taken trilogy. Since then, he’s been in a host of other movies that show his skills as an action actor.
Hauser has garnered great acclaim with his acting performances. Cobra Kai fans will recognize him as Stingray, one of his more popular roles. Hauser has also won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his work in the miniseries Black Bird, and he’s appeared in several films like I, Tonya, BlacKkKlansman, Cruella, and Richard Jewell. The actor is set to play legendary funnyman Chris Farley for a new biopic that’s now in the works at New Line.
Durand can be recognized by X-Men fans for his role as The Blob in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. He has had many other memorable roles in film, including Resident Evil: Retributions, Robin Hood, and Smokin’ Aces. He’s also known for starring in shows like The Strain, Lost, Dark Angel, and Legion.
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A New Creative Team Reboots The Naked Gun
The Naked Gun reboot script is written by director Akiva Schaffer alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand (Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers). Seth MacFarlane will produce with Erica Huggins of Fuzzy Door, while Daniel M. Stillman is executive producing. The project doesn’t have the involvement of the original creative team for the franchise.
“I’m not happy,” original co-writer Pat Proft said of the reboot and not being involved, per THR. “I’m not pleased. It may come out and may be great — and good for that — but I sure as f*** should be writing it. I should have done this one… We’ve been totally blocked out of it. The unfortunate part of it is that Paramount owns it, so they can do what they f***ing want. So that’s it.”
For better or for worse, filmgoers will see how the reimagining turns out when The Naked Gun is released on July 18, 2025.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
