Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Naked Gun's Creator Slams Reboot: 'Why Would I Watch It?'

David Zucker revealed that he did not decline to participate in the reboot, but was excluded from the project altogether after Paramount Pictures rejected his script in favor of working with producer Seth MacFarlane

The Naked Gun Reboot: A Recipe for Disaster?

In a shocking revelation, the creator of the iconic 80s comedy franchise, David Zucker, has come forward with his scathing review of the upcoming reboot starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. The news is set to rock the entertainment industry as it seems the original masterminds behind the Naked Gun have been left in the dust.

According to an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Zucker revealed that he was not only excluded from the project but also snubbed by Paramount Pictures when they opted for a new script and team instead of his own. "I wrote a whole script for Naked Gun 4 on spec for Paramount," Zucker confessed. "But it seems my efforts were rejected in favor of Seth MacFarlane's involvement."

Liam Neeson, 73, and Pamela Anderson, 58, star in The Naked Gun reboot which is set for release on August 1

The veteran comedy writer and director, known for his iconic films like Airplane! and Top Secret, expressed his disappointment at being pushed aside by the studio. "I understand their thinking to go with Seth MacFarlane," he acknowledged. "He's a proven commodity, and Liam Neeson is a big star, but it's not a fresh idea." Zucker emphasized that he was not opposed to revisiting the franchise but had no involvement in the new project.

It appears that the creative team behind the reboot has stuck to the same old formula, with similar gags as the original. "We gave up doing those jokes 40 years ago in Police Squad," Zucker quipped, highlighting one particular joke featuring Anderson's character, Beth Davenport, which echoes a classic gag from the first film.

Zucker also questioned Neeson's casting, stating that he is "like Oscar quality" and doesn't understand why they would try to make fun of him. "OJ... he didn't need to be funny," he said with a chuckle. "And even Leslie Nielsen didn't need to be funny; he just had to be a B-movie actor." The veteran director's criticism seems to have sparked a heated debate about the creative decisions behind the reboot.

The Naked Gun hit theaters in December 1988. Cast members of the original film included Leslie Nielson (seen), Priscilla Presley, Ricardo Montalban and O.J. Simpson

Interestingly, this is not the first time Zucker has been left out of a project that was originally his brainchild. He also had no involvement in the 1982 sequel Airplane II, which was met with mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office.

When asked if he planned to watch the new Naked Gun film, Zucker gave a resounding "no." His reasoning? "Why would I?" The director's decision not to attend the premiere has sparked whispers among fans, fueling speculation about the quality of the reboot.

In an amusing analogy, Zucker recalled his late creative partner Jim Abrahams' response to critics who questioned why he never watched Airplane II. "Well, if your daughter became a prostitute, would you go watch her work?" Abrahams would quip. The quote has left fans both entertained and intrigued.

The original Naked Gun was a box office success and was followed by two sequels in the 1990s

Despite his reservations about the reboot, Zucker extended an olive branch to the creative team behind it. "I hope people go to see it, as miffed as I am at the whole thing," he said graciously. It seems that even with a negative review, Zucker remains open to the idea of the franchise continuing in some form.

In his own words, Zucker is now focusing on new projects that showcase his innovative approach to comedy writing and direction. He has announced an upcoming course called MasterCrash: A Crash Course in Spoof Comedy, which promises to break down the 15 essential rules he uses to write, direct, and edit effective comedies.

With a career spanning over three decades, David Zucker's legacy continues to inspire new generations of comedy writers and directors. Will his latest projects prove that even at an advanced age, he still has fresh ideas to share with the world? Only time will tell.

Zucker said MacFarlane (pictured) 'thought he knew best'

MasterCrash: A Crash Course in Spoof Comedy

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from one of the most iconic comedy writers and directors in the industry. MasterCrash is a nine-hour course delivered through 18 separate videos, offering hands-on experiences for students to collaborate with others, work closely with Zucker himself, and even participate in surprise guest lectures.

Zucker's passion project promises to share his tried-and-tested methods for crafting effective comedies, something he believes only comes from years of experience. "As f*ing old as I am, I have the fresh ideas, not these young guys," he boasted. With MasterCrash, Zucker is determined to create a new generation of comedy writers and directors who can bring laughter back to audiences worldwide.

Zucker criticized the 2025 version for sticking to the same old formula, with similar gags as the first instalment (Neeson pictured in a scene)

The Naked Gun Reboot: What's Next?

While David Zucker has expressed his disappointment with the reboot, fans are still eagerly anticipating the release this Friday. Will it live up to its predecessors or fall flat? Stay tuned for reviews and reactions from industry insiders and viewers alike as the news unfolds.

Keep an eye on The Scholarly Note for exclusive updates on the entertainment world's most talked-about stories!

He also questioned casting a big name like Neeson for a spoof comedy, asking: 'So I mean, what's he making fun of?' (pictured Neeson and costar Pamela Anderson)

Pictured, from top to bottom: Comedy trio David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker on set 'Top Secret' in 1984. Abrahams died in November 2024 following a long battle with leukemia

Neeson and Anderson, pictured on July 22 at the UK premiere of The Naked Gun, have also garnered attention with their rumored off-screen romance