The slapstick legacy of The Naked Gun is back — and this time, it’s Liam Neeson taking the baton from Leslie Nielsen. Paramount’s upcoming reboot is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most unexpectedly exciting comedies. With a fresh cast, a reinvention of classic gags, and a tone that blends parody with heart, The Naked Gun is leaning hard into both nostalgia and reinvention.
A New Frank Drebin Takes the Case
Liam Neeson stars as Frank Drebin Jr., son of the legendary bumbling detective played by Leslie Nielsen. Known for his intense action roles in Taken and The Grey, Neeson’s casting might seem like an odd choice — but that’s exactly the point. Director and co-writer Akiva Schaffer (of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and The Lonely Island) is banking on Neeson’s deadpan gravitas to deliver big laughs through contrast.
According to a recent Entertainment Weekly cover story, the film aims to spoof everything from police procedurals like Law & Order to the very Liam Neeson-led thrillers that made him a meme. The absurdity is fully intentional: one standout scene reportedly features Neeson riding a tiny pink bicycle through a crime scene — a visual punchline that channels the chaotic energy of the original trilogy.
Pamela Anderson’s Comeback Role
Pamela Anderson co-stars as Beth, a mysterious woman caught in the center of a convoluted murder mystery. Her performance reportedly balances femme-fatale tropes with meta self-awareness — and she’s bringing unexpected improvisational chops to the table.
Interestingly, Anderson was nearly part of the original Naked Gun 33⅓ in 1994, but the role didn’t materialize. Now, 30 years later, she’s anchoring a reboot that could revitalize her Hollywood standing much like Barb Wire was meant to. She and Neeson reportedly share “a very loving” on-screen dynamic, with Neeson describing her as “delightful” and surprisingly funny.
Supporting Cast Brings the Chaos
The film’s eclectic supporting cast includes:
- Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell), bringing manic energy as Drebin’s new partner.
- Kevin Durand as the villain with a penchant for over-explaining.
- Danny Huston, Cody Rhodes, and even Busta Rhymes, who adds comedic edge in a surprise role.
The film leans into ensemble chaos, much like the Zucker brothers’ original formula — piling on gags, background jokes, and blink-and-you-miss-it bits that reward repeat viewing.
Release Date & Trailer
Paramount has confirmed an August 1, 2025 theatrical release. The first official trailer has been released, and it’s everything fans hoped for: bananas stunts, straight-faced delivery, and callbacks to the original trilogy. Alongside it, a new poster featuring Liam Neeson in an exaggerated pose (complete with badge and banana peel) hit social media and reignited buzz across Reddit, especially among comedy fans and ’80s/’90s nostalgia circles.
A Legacy of Laughs – Reimagined
Naked Gun fans will be relieved to hear that the film doesn’t try to overwrite the original. Instead, it honors Leslie Nielsen’s legacy by updating the formula. It pokes fun at modern action tropes, true-crime obsession, and CSI-style melodrama. Think of it as Airplane! for the streaming era.
Neeson himself told reporters this could be one of his final comedic roles — joking that if this bombs, “I’m going back to saving kidnapped daughters.”
Why This Reboot Might Actually Work
Reboots of beloved comedies usually face steep skepticism. But The Naked Gun reboot is doing several smart things:
- Using Neeson’s image against itself, much like Taken parodies already do online.
- Casting Anderson in a real comeback role, not just a nostalgic cameo.
- Allowing the absurdity to breathe, rather than modernizing with quippy Marvel-style humor.
And with Akiva Schaffer directing — the mind behind Hot Rod, Palm Springs, and The Lonely Island’s viral hits — this reboot has a real shot at recapturing the kind of absurdist gold we haven’t seen in mainstream cinema in years.
Fan Reaction So Far
Initial response to the trailer and poster has been overwhelmingly positive. On Reddit’s r/movies, fans are calling it a “refreshing change from AI-generated or IP-driven slogs” and praising the bold casting. One user wrote:
“It’s like they finally figured out how to use Liam Neeson’s serious face for maximum comedic effect.”
Others are comparing it to Angie Tribeca and Police Squad! — two shows built on similar parody foundations.
Final Word
The Naked Gun reboot isn’t just leaning on old jokes — it’s updating the formula with fresh faces, genre-savvy writing, and an actor who has become a walking meme of seriousness. With a late-summer release date and promising early buzz, it could be one of the surprise hits of 2025 — especially if audiences are ready to laugh at both the crime genre and Neeson himself.
Stay tuned — this one could be a sleeper comedy classic in the making.
What To Watch On Apple TV+ Right Now
Apple TV+ continues to expand its library with exciting new shows and movies in March 2025. The streaming service has built a reputation for quality over quantity, focusing on original content that appeals to a wide audience. Current top shows include “Severance,” “Silo,” “Bad Sisters,” and new additions like “Dope Thief” that are gaining critical acclaim.
Viewers can look forward to upcoming releases such as “Your Friends & Neighbors,” “The Studio,” and “Government Cheese” in the coming months. Apple TV+ has also secured rights to F1 content, expanding its sports offerings alongside its award-winning dramas and comedies. This diverse content strategy helps Apple compete with larger streaming platforms despite having a smaller overall catalog.
What to Watch on Apple TV+ Right Now
Apple TV+ is having a strong summer in 2025 with a mix of ambitious sci-fi, emotional dramas, and original comedies. Here’s a roundup of the hottest shows streaming now or coming soon that are worth your time.
Foundation – Season 3
Season 3 just premiered and jumps forward 152 years to introduce the terrifying new villain The Mule. With its sweeping scope, dramatic time shifts, and philosophical edge, this series continues to cement itself as one of the top modern sci-fi epics.
Murderbot – Season 2 Confirmed
The hilarious and action-packed Murderbot wrapped its first season and was immediately renewed for Season 2. It stars Alexander Skarsgård as the rogue security android who just wants to be left alone to watch soap operas—but keeps saving humanity instead.
The Wild Ones
This stunning nature docuseries pushes the limits of wildlife filmmaking by using drones, AI, and futuristic tools to track and protect endangered species. It’s visually groundbreaking and packed with powerful storytelling about our relationship with nature.
Acapulco – Season 4 (Final Season)
The beloved bilingual comedy returns July 23 for its fourth and final season. The show continues to explore themes of love, legacy, and identity across dual timelines—one set in 1986, the other in present-day Los Angeles.
Stick
This witty, coming-of-age Gen Z vs. Gen X comedy follows a college dropout who becomes an unlikely life coach to his estranged dad. It’s heartfelt, sharp, and full of generational tension with lots of humor and insight.
Chief of War (Premieres August 1)
Jason Momoa leads this historical epic about the unification of Hawaii in the 18th century. With sweeping landscapes, brutal action, and political drama, this one is shaping up to be one of Apple TV+’s most cinematic series yet.
More Titles to Add to Your Watchlist
- Slow Horses has been renewed for a 7th season. This gritty British spy drama remains one of Apple’s most acclaimed shows.
- Invasion will return with Season 3 on August 22, continuing the global sci-fi thriller story of an alien attack told through multiple perspectives.
July 2025 Apple TV+ Streaming Guide
Top Picks by Genre:
- Sci-Fi & Adventure: Foundation Season 3, Murderbot, Invasion
- Comedies & Dramas: Stick, Acapulco Season 4
- Documentaries: The Wild Ones
- Coming Soon: Chief of War (August 1)
Fan Favorites Also Worth Catching Up On: Echo Valley, Government Cheese, The Buccaneers, Sugar, Severance, The Morning Show, and Carême.
Viewing Suggestions
- If you love deep sci-fi storytelling, start with Foundation or Murderbot.
- If you’re in the mood for something funny but thoughtful, try Stick.
- If you want something visually stunning and educational, The Wild Ones is a must.
- Looking for new epic historical drama? Set a reminder for Chief of War on August 1.
Key Takeaways
- Apple TV+ offers critically acclaimed originals like “Severance,” “Silo,” and “Dope Thief” that stand out in the crowded streaming market.
- New shows including “Your Friends & Neighbors” and “Government Cheese” are coming soon to the platform.
- The service continues to expand beyond scripted content with F1 programming and documentaries.
Original Content on Apple TV+
Apple TV+ has positioned itself as a premium streaming service featuring exclusive original programming. The platform hosts a variety of critically acclaimed shows and movies created specifically for Apple, with new content added regularly.
Critically Acclaimed Series
Ted Lasso stands as one of Apple TV+’s biggest hits, winning multiple Emmy Awards for its heartwarming comedy about an American football coach leading a British soccer team. The series stars Jason Sudeikis and has gained a massive following.
Severance, directed by Ben Stiller and starring Adam Scott, has received widespread praise for its unique premise about employees who surgically separate their work and personal memories. The show’s distinctive visual style and thought-provoking storyline have made it a standout sci-fi thriller.
The Morning Show features Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon in a drama exploring the competitive world of morning television. The series tackles timely issues including workplace harassment and media ethics.
Other notable hits include Pachinko, a multigenerational Korean family drama, and For All Mankind, Ronald D. Moore’s alternative history of the space race.
Exciting New Releases
Apple TV+ regularly adds new content to its library. Shrinking features Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in a comedy about a grieving therapist who starts breaking the rules with his patients.
The Afterparty offers an innovative take on the murder mystery genre, with each episode told through different film genres reflecting the perspectives of various characters. The series was created by Christopher Miller and stars Tiffany Haddish.
Bad Sisters combines dark comedy with thrilling suspense in this story about protective siblings who may have killed their brother-in-law. The show has gained popularity for its compelling storyline and strong performances.
The platform continues to attract major talent, with creators like Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong bringing unique projects to the service.
Genres and Diversity
Apple TV+ offers content across diverse genres, from science fiction to comedy to drama. Mythic Quest explores the video game industry with humor and insight, while Dickinson starring Hailee Steinfeld reimagines the life of poet Emily Dickinson with modern sensibilities.
Little America presents anthology stories focusing on immigrants in America, showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences. Each episode tells a unique story based on real people.
The platform features documentaries like The Problem with Jon Stewart, where the former Daily Show host tackles serious issues with his trademark blend of humor and insight.
Apple has invested in international content, working with acclaimed directors like Kogonada on projects that appeal to global audiences. The service continues to expand its range of miniseries and feature films, providing stories from various cultures and viewpoints.
User Experience and Accessibility
Apple TV focuses on creating a platform that works well for everyone. The service combines thoughtful design with robust accessibility options to ensure all users can enjoy content their way.
Guidelines and Privacy
Apple TV maintains strict privacy guidelines while delivering personalized experiences. Users can adjust privacy settings to control what information is shared. The platform collects limited data such as IP addresses and search history to improve recommendations, but this is done with user consent.
Personal data protection remains a priority for Apple TV. The service uses security measures to authenticate users and prevent spam. Geolocation data may be used for regional content availability, but users can modify these settings.
Content measurement helps Apple develop services based on audience research. Users can opt out of personalized advertising through simple toggles in settings menus. Apple clearly explains data usage in their privacy policy, giving users transparency about how their information is handled.
Enhanced Features
Apple TV includes impressive accessibility features for users with different needs. Vision support includes options for screen readers, contrast adjustments, and text size controls. For hearing needs, closed captioning and audio descriptions make content more accessible.
Voice control allows navigation through vocal commands, beneficial for users with mobility limitations. The recent addition of Eye Tracking technology enables control through eye movements alone, opening up new possibilities for users with severe physical limitations.
Music Haptics provides tactile feedback that helps deaf and hard-of-hearing users experience sound through vibrations. Vocal Shortcuts allows quick access to favorite content with simple voice commands.
The interface has been redesigned to be more intuitive with clearer navigation paths. Text is more readable, and menus are simplified for easier browsing across all types of content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple TV+ continues to expand its content library with new releases and upcoming shows. Here’s what viewers are asking about the streaming service’s latest offerings.
What are the newest releases available on Apple TV+ today?
As of March 2025, Apple TV+ recently added several new titles to its lineup. “The New Look,” a historical drama about fashion designers during World War II, just released its season finale.
“Constellation,” the space thriller starring Noomi Rapace, dropped its complete first season last month.
“Masters of the Air,” the WWII aviation drama produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, has been receiving critical acclaim since its January release.
Can you list the latest original shows now streaming on Apple TV+?
“Shrinking” just returned with its second season, featuring Jason Segel and Harrison Ford in this comedy about a grieving therapist.
“Slow Horses” continues its spy thriller success with season four now streaming in full.
“Presumed Innocent” starring Jake Gyllenhaal has premiered as Apple’s newest legal thriller based on the bestselling novel.
“Pachinko” has returned with its second season, continuing the multigenerational Korean family saga.
Which new movies have been added to the Apple TV+ catalog recently?
“Killers of the Flower Moon,” Martin Scorsese’s historical crime drama, joined the streaming catalog after its theatrical run.
“Napoleon,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Ridley Scott, became available on Apple TV+ in February 2025.
“Argylle,” the spy action comedy with an all-star cast, arrived on the platform in early March.
“Wolfs,” the action comedy reuniting George Clooney and Brad Pitt, was added to Apple’s film lineup last month.
What are the current top-rated shows available on Apple TV?
“Severance” remains one of Apple’s highest-rated series, with season two finally premiering after a long wait.
“Ted Lasso,” despite concluding its main story, continues to draw viewers and maintains top ratings on the platform.
“Silo” has become a surprise hit, with its dystopian sci-fi narrative earning both critical acclaim and viewer enthusiasm.
“For All Mankind” continues to build its audience in its fourth season, with its alternative space race timeline.
What are the latest thriller series to premiere on Apple TV+?
“Dark Matter” recently debuted, based on Blake Crouch’s novel about alternate realities, starring Joel Edgerton.
“Criminal Record” with Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo explores two detectives in London working on a complex murder case.
“Disclaimer” from director Alfonso Cuarón features Cate Blanchett as a journalist whose dark secrets are exposed in a novel.
“Surface” returned with its second season, continuing the psychological thriller starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
What notable Apple TV+ shows are slated for release in 2025?
“Foundation” will return with its highly anticipated third season in summer 2025, continuing the epic sci-fi adaptation.
“Time Bandits,” a series adaptation of the Terry Gilliam film directed by Taika Waititi, is scheduled for fall 2025.
“Metropolis,” a new take on the classic sci-fi story, is expected to debut in late 2025 with a big-budget production.
“The Last Thing He Told Me” will return for a second season in December, following the success of its Jennifer Garner-led first season.
