Liam Neeson Takes on the Lead Role in "The Naked Gun" Reboot

Action star Liam Neeson will play the role of Lieutenant Frank Drebin in the upcoming "The Naked Gun" reboot.

Rumors were already circulating online in 2021 that Liam Neeson would apparently take on the role of the scatterbrained cop. An unusual choice - after all, Neeson has mainly been seen in hard-hitting action movies in recent years. However, the connection between Seth MacFarlane, who will be the writer responsible for the "The Naked Gun" reboot, and Liam Neeson could have been the reason why the actor was finally cast. The two previously worked together on "Ted 2" and the western "A Million Ways to Die in the West" - so the chemistry still seems to be there.

In an interview with IndieWire, Liam Neeson confirmed that he was curious to try something different. He even drew parallels with Leslie Nielsen, whose career was completely transformed by his expressionless and hilarious performance in the film "Airplane!" and later reached its peak in "The Naked Gun" films. Instead of taking down bad guys directly, Neeson would rather just wave his gun around - in the style of his predecessor.

Meanwhile, Seth MacFarlane announced via The Wrap that the reboot was still in the works and will be directed by "Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers" director Akiva Schaffer.