Behind the Laughter: ‘Naked Gun’ Writers Reveal Insights on Iconic Jokes – R-Word Controversy, O.J. References, and the Legendary Final Fight

The Naked Gun is back, and the creators are excited to include nods to the original films.

Writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand teamed up with director Akiva Schaffer for this reboot from Paramount. The film features Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, marking the fourth entry in the beloved comedy series that began with Leslie Nielsen as detective Frank Drebin in the 1988 classic.

In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Gregor and Mand shared insights about the film. They touched on everything from how to handle references to O.J. Simpson—who played Officer Nordberg in earlier installments—to the clever cameos that fans love.

Gregor mentioned that the film’s antagonist has traits reminiscent of Elon Musk, but they aimed to portray a mix of different billionaires. “Our hope is that Cane reflects the flaws of many wealthy figures today,” he explained. They wanted the humor to stand the test of time, just like the original film did.

The writers also talked about the ongoing discussion regarding pop culture and how it evolves. Gregor referenced a Black Eyed Peas song from 2003, noting that discussions around such topics have been around for years, indicating that comedy often reflects societal changes.

A key topic was how they approached O.J. Simpson. Mand shared that from the beginning, they knew they needed to address this delicately but quickly. “We opted for a brief nod rather than diving deep into O.J.,” he said. They settled on a concept involving a “Hall of Fathers,” which kept the reference brief and lighthearted.

As for the chemistry between Neeson and Anderson, Mand noticed a strong connection on set. “The two really clicked. It’s exciting when that happens. I’m rooting for them,” he added.

One fan-favorite moment involves Weird Al, whose presence felt obligatory in a reboot like this. Gregor noted they brainstormed several spots for his cameo, eventually deciding on a fitting role that captures the spirit of the franchise. They also brought in iconic figures like Priscilla Presley to keep that nostalgic feel alive while ensuring it felt natural.

Looking ahead, the writers are eager for another sequel. “On set, we were already tossing around ideas for more adventures,” Gregor shared. They’ve got a treasure trove of concepts ready to explore, which could lead to future films in the franchise.

Mentalities about nostalgia in entertainment can stir strong emotions, as Gregor learned from his prior work on Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. He mentioned how altering beloved characters can lead to polarized reactions, especially from fans who hold childhood memories dear. “You just don’t know what you’ll provoke,” he said, reflecting on the responsibility creators have towards their audience.

One standout moment from the film for Gregor is the comedic climax featuring a fight scene. “The very first punch where he says ‘You hurt my tummy’ always makes me laugh. It’s timeless.” Comedy, after all, thrives on unexpected moments that surprise and delight.

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