Hollywood is bringing back the beloved comedy series The Naked Gun, but the new trailer has stirred up controversy, especially regarding former NFL star O.J. Simpson. He was a key part of the original series, but his character, Nordberg, is notably excluded from the new film’s homage.
In the trailer, we see Frank Drebin, Jr., played by Liam Neeson, dressed as a little girl while stopping a bank robbery. The scene then shifts to new characters paying tribute to their fathers, who were also part of the series. Neeson acknowledges a portrait of Leslie Nielsen’s Frank Drebin, and co-star Paul Walter Hauser greets a portrait of Captain Ed Hocken, portrayed by Alan North. However, when the camera pans to the portrait of O.J. Simpson’s character, a police officer looks up and shakes his head, saying, “uh uh.” This moment has sparked a mix of reactions online.
Simpson’s past is well-known, particularly his involvement in the high-profile murder case of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. This history has led to varied opinions about the trailer. Some viewers see the jab at Simpson as a clever nod, while others worry that the film might not resonate with audiences and could end up being another Hollywood misfire.
Concerns have also been raised about the direction of the reboot. Some fans fear that it may lean too heavily into modern trends, which they describe as "woke." As the release date approaches, the buzz around the film continues to grow, with many hoping it will capture the spirit of the original while appealing to a new generation.
As anticipation builds, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to The Naked Gun reboot and its treatment of past characters.