One of the most anticipated aspects of 2025’s The Naked Gun was Liam Neeson stepping into the shoes of the iconic Lt. Frank Drebin, now playing his son, Frank Drebin Jr. Critics generally agree that Neeson, a seasoned dramatic actor known for his serious roles, was an inspired choice for the deadpan comedic style that defines the franchise. His casting mirrors that of Leslie Nielsen, who also largely transitioned to comedy later in his career after years in more serious parts.
Many reviewers lauded Neeson’s commitment to the absurdity, noting that his gruff, no-nonsense persona, so well-established in action thrillers like Taken, serves as an excellent foundation for the character’s oblivious and chaotic nature. As The Independent observed, Neeson’s Frank comes with a “mischievous twinkle in his eye – he’s loving every second of it, and retroactively inviting us in on the joke of some of his past career choices.” This self-awareness, while subtle, is a key element that allows his performance to land. He expertly maintains a straight face through increasingly ridiculous situations, a hallmark of the Naked Gun humor.
However, while Neeson’s deadpan is impeccable, some critics, such as Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, felt he “perhaps doesn’t quite have Nielsen’s eerie innocence” or the same “gravitas” that made Nielsen’s original portrayal so singularly funny. AP News noted that while Neeson is “plenty game; commitment isn’t the issue,” the role “never feels quite right for him, despite the phonetic connections,” suggesting that Nielsen’s comedic genius in the role might simply be inimitable. Some reviews pointed out that while Neeson is highly effective in playing the “straight man” to the surrounding chaos, the subtle nuances that made Nielsen’s Drebin a truly singular comedic creation are occasionally elusive.
Despite these comparisons, which are perhaps inevitable given the beloved nature of the original, the consensus leans heavily positive. Neeson’s performance is frequently described as a “much-needed reinvention” for his career, proving he is “just as capable a comedic actor as a dramatic one.” His ability to deliver even the most outrageous lines with complete conviction, never winking at the audience, is widely appreciated. Ultimately, Neeson’s Frank Drebin Jr. is seen as a strong, admirable attempt to revive a classic comedic persona, contributing significantly to what many critics are calling one of the funniest films of the year.
The Naked Gun is produced by Seth MacFarlane and written by Schaffer, Doug Mand, and Dan Gregor. It opens at The Fargo Theatre on August 1, 2025.
