Liam Neeson’s Approach to Playing Frank Drebin Jr. in the New The Naked Gun Reboot
Liam Neeson has stepped into the role of Frank Drebin Jr. in the reboot of The Naked Gun, and he has made it clear that his goal was not to imitate the original actor, Leslie Nielsen. The 73-year-old star is leading this comedy revival, and he emphasized his desire to bring a fresh perspective to the character rather than trying to replicate Nielsen's iconic performance.
In an interview with Empire magazine, Neeson discussed his approach to the role, saying, "I wouldn't say nerve-wracking, but every day I would go up to Akiva [Schaffer, director] after we wrapped and say, 'How was it?' Because I just didn't know." He admitted that he wanted to avoid copying Nielsen, who played the original Detective Sergeant Frank Drebin, the father of Frank Jr., in the classic films.
Neeson shared that the only thing he took from Nielsen was the idea of "being serious. Don't try to be funny. Just stick to being a serious cop who is a bit of a doofus." This philosophy helped shape his portrayal of the character, allowing him to bring a unique energy to the role.
Director Akiva Schaffer’s Vision for the Film
Director Akiva Schaffer, aged 47, highlighted his vision for the film to stand apart from its predecessors. He noted, "Liam's got his own things, but they're not Leslie Nielsen's things." Schaffer also pointed out that it would have been unfair to expect Neeson to mimic Nielsen, as the two actors have different styles and strengths.
Schaffer expressed his surprise at Neeson's willingness to embrace the humor in the film. "He was actually the most game for the most silly stuff. I was constantly surprised," he said. Neeson often added unexpected elements on set, such as fart jokes, which required Schaffer to remind him about the timing of previous jokes.
A New Direction for Comedy
Liam Neeson's decision to take on a comedic lead role was seen as a positive twist by Schaffer. The director mentioned that Neeson was suggested by producer Seth MacFarlane, and this choice changed the entire dynamic of the project. Schaffer praised Neeson's dramatic abilities and noted his untapped comedic potential.
"Not only is Liam one of the best 'gravitas' leading men, he also is one of the only ones that has barely used it for comedy," Schaffer said. He compared Neeson to other actors like Jon Hamm and Alec Baldwin, who could easily transition into comedy, but have chosen to focus on their dramatic roles instead.
Inspirations Behind the Film
Schaffer drew inspiration from various genres to give the movie its satirical edge. He explained, "I was like, 'Wow, there are 30 years of Law and Orders and CSIs and all those procedurals.'" He also referenced action franchises like John Wick, Mission: Impossible, and James Bond, noting how they have evolved over time.
By blending these influences, Schaffer aimed to create a film that pays homage to the past while offering something new and entertaining. The result is a comedy that balances absurdity with a sense of realism, thanks in part to Neeson's unique interpretation of the character.
As the film prepares for its theatrical release, audiences can expect a mix of humor, nostalgia, and fresh storytelling. With Neeson at the helm and Schaffer guiding the creative direction, the reboot promises to deliver a memorable experience for fans of the original series and newcomers alike.
