Original Naked Gun director David Zucker has voiced his opinions about the new reboot starring Liam Neeson. In a recent interview, he expressed concerns about how the classic spoof-comedy style has been interpreted.
Zucker, who created a unique style of comedy alongside Jerry Zucker and Jim Abrahams, feels that the new version misses the mark. “Seth MacFarlane totally missed it,” he said, referring to the producer’s approach. He emphasized that their original work had a thoughtful craft behind it, not just random jokes thrown together.
He also stressed the importance of Leslie Nielsen, the beloved actor who played Frank Drebin and passed away in 2010. Zucker believes no one could fill Nielsen’s shoes, saying, “You can’t replace him.”
Initially, Zucker was not thrilled about the reboot. He felt sidelined, noting that no one contacted him for involvement. “It’s not rocket science, but it’s not easy,” he remarked on the challenge of capturing the original’s spirit.
After the reboot’s release, which saw positive reviews and strong box office performance, Zucker’s tone softened. He acknowledged that the demand for comedy in theaters still exists, especially for spoofs. But he raised a red flag about the high budgets often involved in comedies today. “Big budgets and comedy are opposites,” he noted, highlighting how expensive production values can detract from the humor.
Interestingly, consumer preferences reflect this tale. A recent survey found that 67% of moviegoers prefer comedies with relatable humor over flashy, high-budget productions. It seems people long for the charm of simpler, well-crafted comedy.
As Zucker puts it, today’s comedy landscape is different. “Everybody’s in it for the money now,” he lamented, suggesting that this motivation can overshadow the creative spirit that once defined the genre. The essence of classic comedies may be lost if the focus remains on profit rather than genuine laughter.
For more on comedy trends, check out this report on film audiences.
