The writers behind the highly anticipated ‘Naked Gun’ reboot delve into the comedic choices and casting decisions that shape the film. Discussions include addressing sensitive topics like O.J. Simpson references, the casting of Priscilla Presley, and creating a villain reminiscent of tech billionaires. The reboot aims to honor the original’s spirit while injecting fresh humor and relevance.
Liam Neeson steps into the role of Frank Drebin Jr., revitalizing the iconic character for a new generation. The writing team of Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, along with director Akiva Schaffer, aimed to strike a balance between nostalgia and modern comedic sensibilities. The inclusion of Priscilla Presley adds a touch of Hollywood royalty to the ensemble, promising memorable cameos and moments.
This article explores the creative process, the considerations behind controversial jokes, and the dynamics between the cast members. From navigating sensitive subjects to capturing on-set chemistry, the writers share insights into the making of this comedy reboot.
The Villain’s Inspiration: Is It Elon Musk?
The film’s villain is definitely coded, sparking questions about whether Elon Musk served as inspiration. Dan Gregor clarified that the intention was to create an amalgamation of all terrible billionaires rather than targeting one specific individual. This approach aims for comedy that remains timeless, avoiding specific references that could quickly date the film. The goal is to mirror the original movie’s enduring appeal.
Gregor emphasized the importance of not getting pigeonholed into any one specific reference. He stated:
Our hope is that Cane is an amalgamation of all of the terrible billionaires in the world… We were really set on wanting this movie to have a certain amount of comedy timelessness.
This careful construction ensures the humor resonates across different eras, much like the original ‘Naked Gun’ movies.
Navigating the R-Word Conversation
The film addresses the use of the R-word, a topic that has been under scrutiny for decades. Gregor points out that discussions around this term are not new, citing the Black Eyed Peas’ 2003 song as an example. The ongoing nature of these conversations highlights the importance of addressing such topics with sensitivity and awareness.
Gregor noted:
I mean, the Black Eyed Peas wrote that song in 2003, and that song is not available to download anymore. It’s just, “Let’s Get It Started.” And so the Black Eyed Peas were having this conversation as they were releasing and un-releasing their own album [The E.N.D.] in 2009.
This reference illustrates that the conversation around offensive language has been ongoing, making its inclusion in the reboot relevant and thought-provoking.
Addressing O.J. Simpson: A Delicate Balance
One of the first questions the writers faced was how to address O.J. Simpson, given his past association with the franchise as Officer Nordberg. Doug Mand explained that they aimed for a fast reference, avoiding dwelling on the topic for too long. The solution was the Hall of Fathers idea, which also addressed the question of Liam Neeson playing Frank Drebin Jr.
Mand elaborated:
The O.J. thing was one of the first questions… we got when people heard we were doing Naked Gun: “What are you going to do about Nordberg and O.J.?”… We wanted it to be a fast reference [and] that we didn’t want to live in the idea of O.J. too long.
This approach allowed the film to acknowledge the past while maintaining a focus on new comedic territory.
Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson’s Chemistry
The on-screen chemistry between Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson has generated significant buzz. Mand shared that the two connected immediately, creating a positive atmosphere on set. The natural chemistry between the co-stars is something many dream of, and Mand expressed his support for their connection.
Mand revealed:
I am getting more texts about what’s going on with them than anything else… on set from the beginning, the two of them had immediate chemistry. They liked each other… I am pulling for the two of them in a very big way.
This off-screen dynamic could add an extra layer of enjoyment for viewers, as the actors genuinely connect.
Cameos and Fan Service: Honoring the Originals
The reboot includes appearances from familiar faces like Weird Al Yankovic and Priscilla Presley, serving as fan service to honor the original movies. Gregor mentioned that they felt obligated to include certain elements, such as credit-sequence jokes and the iconic theme song. Weird Al was considered for various roles, ultimately contributing to the film’s unique humor.
Gregor detailed:
Weird Al, from the jump — there’s a couple things to us that feel like the fan-service demands that we have to give, in some way or another… the same thing with having credit-sequence jokes… We did write at least a half dozen different places for him within the movie.
The inclusion of Priscilla Presley was carefully considered, with the writers ensuring her cameo felt natural and not forced. Her participation adds to the film’s appeal.
Future Sequels: Brainstorming New Ideas
The writers are already brainstorming ideas for potential sequels. The team enjoyed creating alternative lines and scenarios during filming, indicating a wealth of unused material. Gregor and Mand both have notebooks filled with new concepts, suggesting that the ‘Naked Gun’ reboot could spawn a successful franchise.
Gregor shared:
Oh, immediately we were already having fun doing that on set… This movie is a tight 85 minutes, but the truth is, every line had a dozen alts.
The enthusiasm and proactive planning hint at exciting possibilities for future installments.
Proudest Moments: Lines and Moments That Stand Out
Gregor identified the Danny Huston-Liam Neeson fight scene as a particularly proud moment. The buildup to the fight, followed by a humorous anti-climax, consistently elicits laughter. The unexpected twist adds to the comedic effect, making it a memorable part of the film.
Gregor emphasized:
The joke that just has never gotten old, especially in the performance of it, is the ending where the Danny Huston-Liam Neeson fight happens… That whole run never, never, never doesn’t make me laugh every single time I watch.
These comedic beats are what make the reboot a worthy successor to the original series.
Final Thoughts on the Naked Gun Reboot
The ‘Naked Gun’ reboot writers navigated a complex landscape of comedic expectations and sensitivities. By carefully balancing nostalgia with modern humor, they aim to deliver a film that honors the original while appealing to new audiences. The casting choices, including Liam Neeson and Priscilla Presley, add depth and charm to the production.
The discussions around controversial jokes and the on-set chemistry provide a glimpse into the creative process. With potential sequels already in mind, the ‘Naked Gun’ reboot has the potential to become a lasting franchise. Fans can anticipate a blend of classic humor and contemporary relevance, making it a must-see for comedy enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the success of this reboot hinges on its ability to strike a chord with viewers, delivering laughter and entertainment while respecting the legacy of the ‘Naked Gun’ series. The writers’ dedication and thoughtfulness suggest that this reboot is well-positioned to achieve just that.
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