Liam Neeson’s Approach to Getting the Green Light for The Naked Gun Reboot from Paramount
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Akiva Schaffer, the director of the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun, revealed in an interview with Filmmaker magazine how Liam Neeson convinced Paramount executives to greenlight this comedy.
He says that in a test scene, Neeson turns to the camera and addresses the studio executives directly: “I’m not joking with anyone. That includes you. Yes, you—the Paramount green light committee. I see you. What are you waiting for? Why don’t you bring your assistants over to sign the contract? I’ll take care of it for you. Just make sure the contract includes adult diapers and cocaine, in case you feel like coming to the set.” That’s the sort of thing he said. Essentially, he threw a few insults their way and walked out. And it worked!
In another part of the interview, Schaffer says the film’s visual aspects were modeled after Tony Scott’s movies and titles like Beverly Hills Cop II: “The whole film is an imitation of this genre, so it covers every aspect of the production. The outfit [Liam Neeson] wears looks great on him, but I was looking at the wardrobe from NYPD Blue and thinking: ‘What is the classic detective look? What did Michael Douglas wear in Basic Instinct?’”
In this reboot, directed by Akiva Schaffer, Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the iconic character from the original series, portrayed by Leslie Nielsen—a police detective tasked with solving a complicated murder case in Los Angeles. Other cast members include Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Danny Huston, and Kevin Durand.
In his interview with Variety, Neeson—who has repeatedly announced his farewell to the action genre—recorded a public message to promote The Naked Gun, encouraging audiences to see comedies in theaters to help the genre thrive: “With every passing year, more and more comedies go unmade, unseen, and unquoted. But by buying a ticket, you can help save a comedy film.” In its opening week, the Naked Gun reboot grossed $17 million at the US box office and received an A- CinemaScore from audiences.
