Cast, Release Date, Trailer, Plot — Everything You Need to Know

Liam Neeson takes the baton from Leslie Nielsen as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. in ‘The Naked Gun’ reboot, set to return the classic late-1980s, early 1990s slapstick comedy to cinemas on August 1st, 2025. The film will hit U.S.

Here’s everything you need to know, from casting and plot to trailers and behind-the-scenes moments.

Who’s in the cast of The Naked Gun reboot?

Liam Neeson leads the film as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the bumbling son of the original detective. He’s joined by Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport, Drebin’s bold and witty investigative partner.

Other Cast Includes:

• Paul Walter Hauser as Ed Hocken Jr.    
• Danny Huston as tech mogul Richard Cane 
• Kevin Durand as Sig Gustafson  
• Cody Rhodes as a bartender 
• Liza Koshy as Detective Barnes  
• CCH Pounder as Chief Davis   
• Busta Rhymes as a bank robber

The ensemble brings a modern comedic sensibility while honoring the legacy of Police Squad! and the original film trilogy.

When will The Naked Gun hit theaters?

Paramount confirmed that the reboot will premiere globally on August 1, 2025, as part of its packed summer lineup.

The release had a slight delay from its original July launch, which allowed the studio for a broader global push. Filming took place in Atlanta between May and June 2024.

Is there a trailer?

Yes, the trailer dropped in June 2025 and delivers exactly what fans would expect: rapid-fire gags, classic slapstick, and absurd visual comedy. It even includes bodycam-style POV footage and tongue-in-cheek references to the original films, including subtle nods to O.J. Simpson’s character, Nordberg.

Watch the trailer:

What’s the plot?

Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. is a well-meaning but catastrophically clumsy cop following in his father’s footsteps in the Police Squad unit. In the reboot, he’s tasked with solving a murder tied to a powerful tech mogul (played by Danny Huston), all while trying to stop the force from being disbanded.

The trailer teases chaotic set pieces, clever wordplay, and Drebin Jr.’s frantic attempts to keep his job, and his dignity, intact.

Who plays the femme fatale?

Pamela Anderson plays Beth Davenport, a sharp-tongued partner and possible romantic interest for Drebin Jr. Her character pays homage to the role Priscilla Presley made famous, but with a modern twist.

Anderson revealed that Priscilla Presley gave her some advice going into the role: “Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to be silly.”

How did Liam Neeson handle comedy?

Known for action and drama roles, Neeson admitted to some early hesitation about jumping into a full-blown comedy.In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-star Paul Walter Hauser said: “He was acting really humble and nervous to do comedy… I really hope I’m doing this right.”

Producers reportedly encouraged Neeson to lean into the absurdity, assuring him that his straight-faced delivery was part of the joke.

A wink to longtime fans

Paramount’s promotional campaign taps heavily into nostalgia. Billboards carry absurd messages like “Honk if you hate noise violations,” while merchandise includes a beaver-shaped popcorn bucket, a callback to one of the franchise’s most infamous visual gags. 

The studio also staged surprise coffee shop takeovers, swapping out cups and signage with slogans like “May speed your internal affairs.” At San Diego Comic-Con, fans were greeted by a towering statue of Liam Neeson’s character with his legs comically spread, bearing the phrase: “Spread ’em, nerds.”

What are early reactions saying?

Preview screenings have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics and test audiences are calling it “laugh-out-loud funny,” praising the chemistry between Neeson and Anderson and noting that the film captures the heart and chaos of the originals. 

Some early viewers reportedly called it “the funniest movie they’ve seen in a long time.”

How did the reboot come together?

The idea for a reboot has been in motion since 2013, with several false starts. At one point, Ed Helms was attached to play Drebin Jr., but the project was eventually retooled with Seth MacFarlane joining as a producer in 2021.

MacFarlane and Erica Huggins now produce through Fuzzy Door Productions, with Akiva Schaffer directing.

Expect new gags and loving callbacks

While staying true to the series’ slapstick roots, the reboot introduces fresh, surreal jokes. One standout: a bizarre jazz scat performance titled Sassafras Chicken in D, performed live by Anderson during a 12-hour take.

Anderson called it “artistically freeing,” and producer Schaffer noted that it captures the bizarre, deadpan spirit of the original films.

Whether you’re a fan of the original trilogy or discovering The Naked Gun for the first time, the reboot looks like a lovingly chaotic ride. 

With Neeson’s dry delivery, Anderson’s comedic energy, their chemistry and a team of seasoned comedy pros behind the camera, this movie promises to bring the franchise roaring back into pop culture, sirens blaring.