History of The Naked Gun in Timeline

The Naked Gun is a comedy franchise created by Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker, encompassing a TV series, four films, and a video game. It revolves around the accident-prone but well-meaning Detective Sergeant Frank Drebin, portrayed by Leslie Nielsen. The films achieved box office success despite varied critical reception. Liam Neeson is set to star as Frank Drebin Jr. in a forthcoming movie scheduled for release in 2025.

1982: Police Squad! series was broadcast on ABC

In 1982, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) network broadcast the crime spoof-comedy television series Police Squad! starring Leslie Nielsen as Frank Drebin.

2009: Fourth Naked Gun movie revealed

In 2009, it was revealed that a fourth movie starring Leslie Nielsen was coming out as a direct-to-TV sequel, titled The Naked Gun 4: Rhythm of Evil. The original writers attempted to prevent the film from happening.

2010: Leslie Nielsen's death

Leslie Nielsen died in 2010, leading to voice actor A.J. LoCascio taking over the role of Frank Drebin Jr. in the game The Naked Gun: ICUP.

2012: The Naked Gun: ICUP game released

In 2012, The Naked Gun: ICUP, a point-and-click adventure game, was released by Gamecentric Media and Paramount for iOS, Android, and Windows.

December 2013: Paramount Pictures announces Naked Gun reboot

In December 2013, Paramount Pictures announced the development of a reboot of The Naked Gun franchise, with Ed Helms cast as Frank Drebin.

2013: Police Squad! Ranked #7 on TV Guide's 'Cancelled Too Soon' list

In 2013, TV Guide ranked Police Squad! #7 on its list of 60 shows that were "Cancelled Too Soon".

January 2014: Working title of Naked Gun reboot revealed

In January 2014, Garant revealed that the working title of the Naked Gun reboot project is "Episode IV: A New Hope", while announcing that it is intended to be a sequel to the original films.

March 2015: David Zucker declines producing role on Naked Gun reboot

In March 2015, David Zucker declined a producing role in the Naked Gun reboot due to concerns about comedic style and quality.

August 2015: Ed Helms confirms Naked Gun reboot script still in progress

In August 2015, Ed Helms confirmed the Naked Gun reboot script was still being written, acknowledging audience reception concerns.

2015: Seth MacFarlane expresses interest in Liam Neeson

In 2015, Seth MacFarlane expressed interest in casting Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr.

March 2017: Naked Gun reboot script being rewritten

In March 2017, the Naked Gun reboot script was being rewritten by David Zucker and Pat Proft, with the plot reworked to feature Frank Drebin's son.

January 2021: Seth MacFarlane hired to develop Naked Gun project

In January 2021, Seth MacFarlane was hired to further develop the Naked Gun project. MacFarlane had previously expressed interest in casting Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. in 2015.