The Naked Gun Reboot Writers Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Details and Easter Eggs
Writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand recently sat down to discuss their work on Paramount’s highly anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, sharing insights about the film’s references, cameos, and creative decisions following its successful box office opening.
Bringing The Classic Comedy Series Back to Life
The fourth installment in the beloved franchise stars Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, continuing the legacy of the spoof series that originally featured Leslie Nielsen as detective Frank Drebin. The writers worked closely with director Akiva Schaffer to create a film that honors the 1988 original while bringing fresh humor to modern audiences.
Key Elements of the New Naked Gun
- Carefully crafted villain inspired by modern tech billionaires
- Strategic handling of O.J. Simpson’s previous role references
- Notable cameos including Weird Al and Priscilla Presley
- Classic franchise elements like credit-sequence jokes and the iconic theme song
Addressing the O.J. Simpson Legacy
“The O.J. thing was one of the first questions we got,” explains Mand. “We knew pretty quickly that we wanted it to be a fast reference and didn’t want to dwell on it.” The solution came in the form of a clever “Hall of Fathers” scene that also helped establish Neeson’s character.
Star Chemistry and Memorable Moments
The writers highlighted the natural chemistry between Neeson and Anderson, with Mand noting, “From the beginning, the two of them had immediate chemistry. You only dream that your two co-stars are connecting on that level.”
Looking Toward the Future
Both writers confirmed they’re already collecting ideas for potential sequels, with Gregor revealing, “Every line had a dozen alts.” The movie’s tight 85-minute runtime left plenty of material for future installments.
Fan Service and Easter Eggs
Notable franchise callbacks include:
- The classic police siren light
- Original theme song integration
- Credit sequence jokes
- Strategic cameo appearances
The writers emphasized their commitment to creating a film that stands on its own while respecting the original’s legacy. “We really need to make sure that it has a real reason to exist on its own,” Gregor stated, highlighting their approach to balancing nostalgia with innovation.