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David Zucker Slams Naked Gun Reboot as Profit-Driven

11/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

David Zucker, the original director of The Naked Gun, criticized the reboot starring Liam Neeson.
He said producer Seth MacFarlane "totally missed" the spoof-comedy style Zucker and his collaborators established.
Zucker added that the absence of Leslie Nielsen makes the reboot pointless.
After initially softening his stance following positive reviews, he returned to critique, saying the high budget detracts from comedy and the project appears profit-driven rather than artistic.

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Story summary

David Zucker, the original director of The Naked Gun, criticized the reboot starring Liam Neeson.
He said producer Seth MacFarlane "totally missed" the spoof-comedy style Zucker and his collaborators established.
Zucker added that the absence of Leslie Nielsen makes the reboot pointless.
After initially softening his stance following positive reviews, he returned to critique, saying the high budget detracts from comedy and the project appears profit-driven rather than artistic.