How Is This New ‘Naked Gun’ Trailer Not R-Rated?

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To ensure the success of the The Naked Gun reboot/sequel, all that’s required is to keep it amusing. After all, if you’re planning a fresh take on one of the most hilarious comedy series in history, it should undeniably bring smiles and laughter to its audience.

I found myself chuckling three distinct instances while watching the latest trailer for the new Naked Gun. Therefore, it seems like it’s off to an auspicious beginning.

It’s true that a bad comedy can seem great if you compile all the funny parts from 90 mostly dull minutes into a two-minute trailer. However, “The Naked Gun,” following the old Zucker brothers cop spoofs with Leslie Nielsen, was not just any comedy. It was directed by the hilarious Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane. Liam Neeson, as Detective Frank Drebin Jr., appears to be putting in a lot of effort, which is crucial when it comes to performing in an over-the-top comedy like this one.

Additionally, there’s a joke about heat vision in this film’s trailer that seems too risqué for a green-rated movie. It’s almost unbelievable it made the cut! When you watch it, you’ll understand why I say it should be a red-band scene. (I’m not complaining, by the way – it was one of the three jokes that made me laugh out loud!)

Watch the new Naked Gun trailer below:

There is a very silly new poster for the film as well.

Here is the film’s official synopsis:

In the spirit of upholding my family legacy, I step forward to take charge as the leader of Police Squad, a mission crucial not just for our city, but for the entire world! This is Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., following in the footsteps of my esteemed father, and in “THE NAKED GUN,” under the guidance of director Akiva Schaffer, renowned for his work on Saturday Night Live and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, and produced by none other than Seth MacFarlane, creator of Ted and Family Guy.

The Naked Gun is set to open in theaters on August 1.

The Worst Spinoffs of Beloved Movie Franchises

U.S. Marshals (1998)

The movie “The Fugitive” (1993) had a successful reboot, cherished by many dads and fans of Harrison Ford. However, the spinoff titled “U.S. Marshals,” which features Tommy Lee Jones reprising his role as Marshal Sam Gerard, might have slipped your memory. In this sequel-spinoff, Gerard pursues another fugitive from justice, played by Wesley Snipes, while Robert Downey Jr. and Joe Pantoliano join as fellow federal agents.

While “U.S. Marshals” wasn’t outright terrible, it was a rather blatant attempt to create a franchise from a standalone film, which audiences didn’t seem to embrace. A more fitting description for such an approach might be something like a mid-2000s Fox primetime drama as opposed to a summer blockbuster.

The Scorpion King (2002)

Originally stemming from “The Mummy Returns” (2001), the film we’re discussing isn’t accurately described as a flop, given that five distinct “Scorpion King” movies have emerged over time, with plans for a reboot. However, only one of these films had a theatrical release. With an aim to broaden the universe of the Mummy series, Universal opted for a spinoff/prequel centering around the character of the half-human, half-scorpion monster portrayed by Dwayne Johnson in “The Mummy Returns.” The narrative unfolds as a grand historical account chronicling Mathayus of Akkad, the renowned Scorpion King. This marked Johnson’s debut leading role and boasts an impressive soundtrack featuring bands like Godsmack, System of a Down, and Nickelback. Unfortunately, its blend of campy action and historical inconsistencies didn’t fare well. Remarkably, four additional direct-to-video sequels have been produced since then, each starring different muscular actors in the titular role.

Catwoman (2004)

Originally conceived from the movie “Batman Returns” (1992), the spinoff film “Catwoman” was critically panned and financially unsuccessful. Despite initial plans for a spinoff centered around Michelle Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle, the project became mired in development hell. The eventual release saw Halle Berry portray an original character, who claimed to be a descendant of various Catwomen, with no connection to DC Comics. The film was universally criticized as overly sexualized and absurd at the time of its release. It serves as a prime example of problematic female-led superhero spinoffs that have proliferated over the years, often resulting from studio attempts to capitalize on characters without giving them the same level of care and attention as their male counterparts (e.g., “Supergirl”, “Elektra”, “Madame Web”, etc.).

Evan Almighty (2007)

In the wake of the 2003 blockbuster hit “Bruce Almighty,” the subsequent spinoff titled “Evan Almighty” failed to escape the wrath of both critics and audiences alike. Unlike its instant successor, “Evan Almighty” centered around Bruce’s news reporter counterpart Evan (played by Steve Carell). The film was a contemporary adaptation of the biblical tale of Noah and the flood, featuring a colossal wooden ark and pairs of animals traveling in twos. However, instead of a prophet named Noah, this story follows a newly elected congressman with strained family ties, whose predicament is triggered by a poorly constructed dam near a lake in Northern Virginia. The movie’s primary flaw lies in its lack of humor, paling in comparison to the riotous laughter elicited by its predecessor and falling short of replicating its quirky charm.

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

In an attempt to continue the Bourne action thriller series without its main character, Universal produced The Bourne Legacy, the only film in the series not starring Jason Bourne (Matt Damon declined to return if director Paul Greengrass was not involved). Set during the events of The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), Legacy features Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross, a government agent with genetic enhancements who, like Bourne, is hunted by his own government when they dismantle their operation to conceal their wrongdoings. Essentially, it’s a Bourne-style movie with some science fiction elements reminiscent of Michael Crichton, and while Jeremy Renner is not Matt Damon, the reception from critics and audiences was at best mixed.

Planes (2013)

Originating from the blockbuster film “Cars” (2006), it was no surprise that Disney would contemplate expanding their universe to incorporate a Vehicle Cinematic Universe. What mode of transportation could be cooler than cars? Planes, obviously! Thus, came the movie “Planes” (and its sequel “Planes: Fire and Rescue”). The narrative revolves around animated planes, emphasizing the importance of dedication, teamwork, and friendship in achieving your dreams. Dane Cook lends his voice to the lead character in both films. While these movies may not be particularly humorous or captivating, they serve as a 90-minute diversion for young Disney enthusiasts, but might not hold much more interest.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

As a dedicated Star Wars enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on my experiences with the spin-off film, Solo: A Star Wars Story. The production buzz was enough to stir apprehension in even the most casual fans, but nothing prepared us for the disappointment that followed. Disney, eager to capitalize on their freshly acquired franchise, seemed to overstep boundaries, and their forays into creating anything outside the main continuity were, for the most part, less than successful (your enjoyment of Rogue One may differ).

Solo, unfortunately, stands out as the worst offender. Plagued by production troubles, it delivered a lackluster origin story for a character as iconic as Han Solo, making it hard to accept any actor other than Harrison Ford in the role. The plot was overburdened with explanations that left little room for mystery, and the ending hinted at a sequel that never materialized. At least the name “Enfys Nest” has an appealing ring to it.

Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

Reflecting on it, it’s quite surprising that the Fast and Furious franchise took so long to branch out with spinoffs. However, Hobbs & Shaw didn’t quite hit the mark as fans were hoping for. Characters like Luke Hobbs (played by Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), who were beloved in the series, had the potential to carry a standalone movie.

The concept was intriguing, and the trailers promised an exciting adventure. But, unfortunately, what we got was more of a lengthy buddy comedy with a convoluted plot and relentless action sequences that grew tiresome. Plans for a sequel seem to have slowed down or halted altogether.

The New Mutants (2020)

Originally intended to be part of the X-Men film franchise, The New Mutants (2020) unfortunately suffered from studio interference during its production. This was due to Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox occurring while the movie was being made. The film focuses on a new and younger set of superhuman characters confined in a clandestine facility. After three years from its initial filming, it was finally released (in August 2020), which did not help its box office performance. Planned reshoots, canceled reshoots, visual effects completed by a different director, and an average plot contributed to the movie’s underwhelming reception among audiences. As such, The New Mutants marked a rather disappointing end to the Fox X-Men series as we had known it.

Argylle (2024)

Originally stemming from the 2014 film “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” the movie titled “Argylle” was subtly revealed to be a spinoff during its end credits. This peculiar blend of slapstick humor and spy adventure, marred by poor cinematography and an unimpressive fight sequence featuring Bryce Dallas Howard sliding on oil in a comical manner, is arguably one of the worst spinoffs on this list of disappointing sequels or extensions. While its concept – a mundane author (Howard) whose fictional spy tales unlock a genuine international espionage conspiracy – offers an intriguing premise, the movie itself falls significantly short of the potential promised by its eclectic mix of elements. The film features Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa engaging in over-the-top performances based on all the book scenes, but unfortunately, “Argylle” fails to reach the heights envisioned by these unusual components.

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2025-06-16 17:01