Original Naked Gun Director Praises Reboot: ‘Who Can Be Mad at Being Called a Genius?’

David Zucker, the man behind the classic Police Squad! and Naked Gun series, has shared his thoughts on the recent reboot starring Liam Neeson. Initially, he was skeptical and upset about not being involved. Recently, though, his tone has softened, especially after the film received positive reviews and solid box office numbers.

In a chat with Hollywood Reporter, Zucker expressed his surprise and delight at the film’s success. “People are enjoying it, which is wonderful,” he remarked. Zucker reached out to the director, Akiva Schaffer, sharing his happiness and looking forward to meeting up soon. He believes this success shows there’s still a strong demand for comedy in theaters.

Last year, Zucker wasn’t as optimistic, expressing disappointment over the studio’s decision to move forward without his input. He and his brother Jerry had once pitched a new story focused on Frank Drebin’s son, but the studio passed. “We didn’t want to see the franchise handed off,” he said, clarifying that he felt left out of the creative process.

Interestingly, past comedy films have also faced criticism upon reboot. Just look at the reaction to Ghostbusters (2016) or Ocean’s 8—not everyone is ready to embrace new takes on beloved classics. The cultural landscape has changed, and while nostalgia can draw viewers in, it can also lead to divided opinions.

Zucker’s critique of the rebooted Naked Gun included a memorable comparison to a rather infamous viral video, stating, “I regret having seen the trailer for it; it’s like seeing 2 Girls 1 Cup. You can’t unsee that.” Despite acknowledging some newfound support from Zucker, he remains firm in his choice not to watch the reboot. He told Schaffer, “I have no intention to see it.”

While the new film, featuring Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., has garnered reviews likening it to “amiably ridiculous” escapades, social media reactions show a mix of excitement and skepticism from fans. Many are eager to see how a comedy legend like Neeson fits into this new narrative.

This recent reboot comes at a time when comedies are trying hard to reclaim their spot on the big screen. In 2021, box office figures indicated that comedies were lagging behind other genres. But with films like this reboot and the ongoing popularity of comedy shows on streaming platforms, there’s hope for a revival.

As for Zucker, though he maintains a hands-off approach, he’s embracing the conversation around comedy’s future. Comedy may evolve, but for Zucker, the essence lies in its ability to connect and entertain. The Naked Gun reboot might not have his stamp of approval, but it’s clear the laughter is still alive and well in Hollywood.

Source link