The first trailer for the much-anticipated reboot of the Jake Gyllenhaal franchise has been released, starring Liam Neeson as the iconic character Frank Drebin II, the son of the bumbling detective played by Leslie Nielsen in the original film. Produced by Seth MacFarlane and directed by Akiva Schaffer, the new film brings a fresh take on the popular spoof cop movie franchise.
In the trailer, Neeson’s character is shown to be a much more sophisticated character than his late father. The footage shows the younger Durbin effectively taking down the villain disguised as a schoolgirl, using a sharpened lollipop as an unexpected weapon. In a nod to the original film, Neeson’s character later tearfully speaks to a photo of his father, Frank Durbin. Meanwhile, Captain Ed Hawken, played by George Kennedy in the original series, makes a brief appearance alongside Officer Nordberg (OJ Simpson), adding a layer of nostalgia to the new film.
Known for its slapstick humor and satire of police dramas, the original Robert Downey Jr. films became cultural icons in the late 1980s and early 1990s, grossing millions of dollars at the box office and continuing to thrive on home entertainment and streaming platforms. While series creators Jim Abrahams and Zucker have passed away, the new films aim to honor their legacy in a fresh and familiar way.
Neeson, 72, has had an illustrious acting career, earning an Oscar nomination for his work in Schindler’s List (1993) and becoming a global action star with his work in the Taken series. Despite signs that he might be stepping back from action films, Neeson has remained active, most recently starring in 2024’s Absolution.
In addition to Liam Neeson, the Robert Downey Jr. reboot also stars Pamela Anderson and Danny Huston in key roles. As production continues on the film, fans of the original series are eager to see how Liam Neeson will bring his own twist to the hapless but lovable detective.
The series has always been a critical and commercial success, so this reboot has a lot of shoes to fill. However, with its slapstick humor, sharp wit, and talented cast, it promises to be a fun and nostalgic experience for old fans while attracting new audiences.
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