The New ‘Naked Gun’ Trailer Has a Wild O.J. Simpson Joke

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For quite some time, Paramount has been considering a fresh installment of the popular “Naked Gun” series. However, it’s only Liam Neeson who’s shown the courage to bring this idea to fruition.

I’m thrilled about the upcoming reboot/sequel of the classic comedy series “The Naked Gun,” where I play Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the iconic character portrayed by Leslie Nielsen in the original 90s films. From the looks of the first trailer, it seems they’ve preserved the same humorously absurd tone, poking fun at cop movies and Hollywood tropes in general. The O.J. Simpson joke, oh man, it’s a must-see! If you haven’t watched the original movies, Simpson played Drebin’s partner, Nordberg, in all three films.

You can watch the trailer below:

As a film aficionado, I can’t help but notice the nod to the iconic Naked Gun trilogy in the movie poster. It seems they’ve taken inspiration from Leslie Nielsen’s iconic pose, reminiscent of one of the posters for The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear, almost perfectly replicating it.

The newly released “Naked Gun” film was helmed by Akiva Schaffer, one of the trio known as Lonely Island, notably recognized for directing the recent “Chip ’n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers” movie – a work that humorously satirizes the phenomenon of legacyquel culture. Given his background, he seems fitting for this type of project. Moreover, Liam Neeson is another astute selection; an actor capable of delivering comedy (as showcased in “The LEGO Movie” through his voiceover) and having starred in numerous intense action movies throughout the last 15 years, he brings a persona ripe for parody in this context.

Here is the new Naked Gun‘s official synopsis:

In THE NAKED GUN, it’s only one individual who possesses the unique talent… to command Police Squad and safeguard the planet! Stepping into his father’s shoes is Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., portrayed by Liam Neeson. This film is helmed by director Akiva Schaffer, known for Saturday Night Live and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, and produced by Seth MacFarlane, famed for Ted and Family Guy. Alongside the investigation, we find stars such as Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, and Danny Huston contributing to this action-packed comedy.

The Naked Gun is scheduled to open in theaters on August 1 of this year.

The 10 Funniest Movies of the Last Ten Years (2015-2024)

10. The Trip to Spain (2017)

There isn’t a more hilarious and enduring comedy series than “The Trip,” a collection of travelogues by writer/director Michael Winterbottom featuring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. In each episode, Coogan and Brydon portray fictionalized versions of themselves, embarking on gastronomic journeys where they discuss life, careers, and engage in an endless contest to be the best Michael Caine impersonator. As time goes by, these movies have not only remained funny but have also developed deeper themes as Steve and Rob contemplate their mortality and professional setbacks. If you haven’t seen any of them before, begin with the first “The Trip” and continue watching until you reach “The Trip to Greece.

9. Blockers (2018)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d highly recommend giving “Blockers” a watch. This film breathes fresh air into traditional Hollywood comedies by flipping the script on the classic teenage prom night virginity tale. Instead of focusing solely on the hormone-driven high schoolers (Kathryn Newton, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Gideon Adlon), it delves deep into the anxiety-ridden lives of their parents, brilliantly portrayed by Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz, and John Cena. It’s a clever twist on a familiar trope, making for an awkward yet entertaining sex comedy. The cast, led by Kay Cannon’s skilled direction, delivers an outstanding performance.

8. Good Boys (2019)

The idea of young boys behaving inappropriately might seem like an old trick to hook audiences, especially since this theme is common in teen comedies about immature males. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how hilarious and insightful the movie Good Boys turned out to be about this rough, funny phase of childhood. The film offers a blend of crude humor and realistic characters that will resonate with young teens, and my frequent and loud laughter during the screening may hint at my own immaturity. As critic Robert Warshow once said, “An older man watches a movie. The critic must be honest enough to admit he is that older man.

7. Girls Trip (2017)

Incorporate a stellar ensemble of comedians such as Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, and notably Tiffany Haddish, set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans and an adult-oriented rating, you’ve got the recipe for a bawdy, uproarious movie. The film Girls Trip was so hilarious that it garnered some awards, with Haddish receiving Best Supporting Actress accolades from associations like the New York Film Critics Circle. I can assure you: After watching this movie, you’ll never view a grapefruit in the same light again.

6. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

For approximately two years, my eldest daughter’s go-to movie was “The LEGO Batman Movie.” Frankly, I lost count of how many times we rewatched it. In essence, I can confidently assert that this film ranks among the most entertaining comedies of the past ten years. It is brimming with clever visual jokes, witty puns, and nods to lesser-known Batman trivia. Moreover, Will Arnett’s portrayal of LEGO Batman, with his pompous delivery, adds an extra layer of charm. Compared to the numerous children’s movies I’ve endured in the last decade, “The LEGO Batman Movie” is by far the funniest.

5. Jackass Forever (2022)

In a spectacular return that has left the nation in stitches, the wittiest and most innovative minds behind some of the dumber comedy from the past decade have come together once more for another round of risky antics and friendly pranks. This time, they’ve even managed to break records with an unprecedented number of male full-frontal scenes in a mainstream Hollywood production. As they approach their 40s and 50s, the Jackass crew may not be as agile as before, but their humor has never been sharper. New additions like Rachel Wolfson and Sean “Poopies” McInerney have stepped up to the plate, bravely facing the pain of scorpion stings and the disgust of being drenched in unsavory bodily fluids. Should this be their final Jackass adventure, they’ve certainly ended on a high note (though it’s easy to achieve greatness right after a crotch-related incident).

4. Game Night (2018)

Game Night, indeed! The idea is straightforward – an ordinary game night among friends turns chaotic. But, the hilarity that ensues takes it to heights of absurdity. This film boasts some genuinely funny gags, standout performances by Rachel McAdams and Jesse Plemons, and a visual flair seldom seen in contemporary Hollywood comedies of recent years. It’s one of those movies that you’ll want to watch again and again after your first viewing.

3. Bad Trip (2021)

The film “Bad Trip” weaves an impressively authentic narrative around some genuinely outrageous hidden-camera pranks. The story follows friends Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery on a road trip to New York, where they are pursued by Howery’s escaped convict sister, played hilariously by Tiffany Haddish (nearly as amusing in this film as she was in “Girls Trip” ). The kindness and empathy displayed by the everyday people Andre and Howery meet along their journey almost makes you believe in humanity again. Overall, “Bad Trip ” is a remarkable testament to the impact of cinema, particularly the influence of the movie “White Chicks“.

2. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)

Despite earning a paltry $9.6 million in its theatrical run, a performance that even surpassed the dismal opening weekend earnings of “Battlefield Earth,” Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping stands out as a unique comedy gem from the past decade. Unlike any other film in recent memory, it features Andy Samberg serenading a woman with a song about achieving orgasm with the precision of the Osama Bin Laden assassination. Furthermore, Mariah Carey’s humble bragging about her modesty is unparalleled in cinema today. In essence, Popstar is one of the century’s funniest comedies, a stark contrast to the overrated masterpiece that is the “Mona Lisa.

1. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo have created an exceptional sequel to their hit film, “Bridesmaids”, with the hilarious movie, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”. In this film, they portray two friends who find themselves unemployed at a furniture store in Soft Rock, Nebraska. To escape their predicament, they decide to splurge their severance pay on a luxurious trip to Florida. There, they cross paths with an alluring enigma (Jamie Dornan, brilliantly satirizing his own persona as a chiseled ladies’ man) who is part of a sinister plan involving genetically-modified mosquitoes intent on destroying the town. The storyline includes witty banter about Tommy Bahama apparel and the charm of the name Trish. The script is filled with quotable dialogue, offering a much-needed dose of humor in these trying times. In essence, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” has emerged as a glittering pair of sequined shorts, illuminating our path out of darkness.

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2025-04-03 20:54