In an exciting development for comedy fans, the long-awaited reboot of The Naked Gun is set to hit theaters this summer, featuring a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Paul Walter Hauser will star as Captain Ed Hocken Jr., the new version of the character played by George Kennedy in the original series.
Hauser's involvement was confirmed in a recent interview where he shared insights about his character and the film's direction. “In Naked Gun. I am playing the son of the George Kennedy character from the originals, Captain Ed Hocken,” said Hauser, adding that his co-star Liam Neeson will portray Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character. While fans may have had concerns about the legacy of the original films, Hauser remains positive about the new direction.
Directed by Akiva Schaffer, known for his work on Saturday Night Live, the film aims to balance humor with respect for its predecessors. Hauser emphasized, “It was really a mastery of tone... they got the right guy to make it: Akiva Schaffer, who I love,” indicating that the creative team is focused on making a faithful homage to the originals.
This reboot has been brewing for a while; Neeson mentioned that he was approached for the role by Seth MacFarlane about two years ago, expressing that he was hesitant initially. Despite his reservations, Neeson decided to take on the project under one condition: “as long as I play it dead seriously and not try and imitate Mr. Leslie Nielsen. He was wonderful,” he said. With a solid script already in place, Neeson noted there are “a few laugh out loud moments in it,” promising fans some great comic relief.
The anticipation for the film is building, with its scheduled release date set for August 1, 2025. Alongside Neeson and Hauser, the cast includes well-known names such as Pamela Anderson, Kevin Durand, and Danny Huston, adding to the excitement surrounding the production.
In addition to his role in The Naked Gun, Hauser is gearing up for the release of another film, The Luckiest Man in America, set for April 4, 2025. This drama highlights the true story of Michael Larson, who earned over $100,000 on the game show Press Your Luck after figuring out its underlying patterns, demonstrating Hauser's versatility as an actor.
As The Naked Gun prepares for its theatrical debut, fans of the franchise can look forward to a mix of nostalgia and newness, with Hauser and Neeson leading a talented ensemble in a film that aims to honor its comedic roots.
