In an exclusive interview with JoBlo, Paul Walter Hauser reveals intriguing details about his character in the much-anticipated Naked Gun reboot, which features Liam Neeson in a leading role. This iconic franchise is set to make a comeback, and fans are eager to learn more about the new cast and their respective roles.
In a recent discussion, Alex Maidy from JoBlo had the opportunity to chat with Paul Walter Hauser about the forthcoming Naked Gun reboot. During the conversation, Hauser shared exciting insights about his role in the film. Initially, when his casting was announced, it was stated that he would portray Captain Ed, a character originally played by George Kennedy in the classic Naked Gun films. However, there seems to be a twist, as Hauser indicated that his character would be the son of Captain Ed, adding a fresh spin to the beloved franchise.
Hauser elaborated, saying, “In the upcoming Naked Gun, I am portraying the son of George Kennedy’s character, Captain Ed Hocken.” He also mentioned that Liam Neeson will be playing the son of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character, Frank Drebin Jr. This dynamic adds a new generational aspect to the film, which could resonate well with both old fans and new audiences alike.
Hauser expressed optimism about the film’s direction, stating that he believes the creative team has struck the right balance in tone. “It’s a mastery of tone. They’ve brought in the right people to helm it: Akiva Schaffer, whom I admire greatly,” Hauser commented. He further noted, “The team has taken the project seriously, aiming to deliver low-brow comedy with a high-brow perspective. They have made a commendable effort to honor the original films’ essence. While I haven’t seen the final cut yet, my experience on set suggests they have successfully captured the spirit of the series, which I believe will delight audiences.”
Alongside Liam Neeson and Paul Walter Hauser, the cast of The Naked Gun features notable names such as Pamela Anderson, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, and others. While Neeson has dabbled in comedic roles, this will be his first leading comedic performance. He shared his reasons for taking on the role of Frank Drebin Jr. last year, stating, “Just before Christmas, my sons and I were sifting through Academy screeners, hoping to find something light-hearted and amusing to watch together.” Neeson continued, “Unfortunately, all we found were serious films, brilliant but heavy. When Seth MacFarlane approached me about this project — this was about two years ago — I thought it could be an interesting challenge, especially if I played it completely straight and avoided mimicking the legendary Leslie Nielsen. I’m excited about working with Akiva Schaffer, who has a rich background in comedy from Saturday Night Live. The script is well-crafted and includes several laugh-out-loud moments that I can’t wait to share with audiences.” The release date for The Naked Gun is set for August 1st, and anticipation is building among fans.
Additionally, Paul Walter Hauser is set to appear in The Luckiest Man in America, a dramatic film that chronicles the remarkable true story of Michael Larson, a man who famously won over $100,000 on the game show Press Your Luck by uncovering the secret behind its mechanics. This inspiring film is scheduled for release on April 4th, and it promises to showcase Hauser’s versatility as an actor.
