The upcoming The Bare Gun remake will not ignore O.J. Simpson’s legacy, with its writers revealing how they approached the character of Nordberg. Within the authentic trilogy, Simpson performed the bumbling detective whose bodily comedy grew to become a staple of the movies. However, within the a long time since, Simpson’s extremely publicized trial and controversial popularity posed a serious query about what ought to be accomplished along with his character within the reboot.
Starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, the upcoming reboot goals to steadiness traditional slapstick with trendy satire, and that features addressing Nordberg’s character with each care and nerve. The writers revealed that whereas they didn’t need to dwell on Simpson’s real-life controversies, they knew audiences would count on some acknowledgment.
In a current interview with Display Rant, writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand admitted the joke was deliberately held again earlier than his passing in 2024, however now serves as a pointy, albeit transient, commentary. Based on the duo, the group needed to “drag him over the coals” with out making it the primary subject. Learn their full feedback under:
Doug Mand: We have been like, “Oh, we can’t really give it to him while he is alive, but now that he’s dead, let’s really drag him over the coals.”
No, look, this was one of many first questions if you inform individuals like, “We’re doing a Naked Gun.” One of many prime three questions was, “How are you dealing with OJ? How are you dealing with Nordberg?”
We knew that it was one thing we needed to take care of. We rapidly realized whereas we have been writing it with Akiva that we did not need to stay in it too lengthy. Clearly, we’re laughing, [but] there is a important tragedy behind this man and his legacy, so you do not need to stay in it too lengthy or really feel such as you’re poking enjoyable at this horrible tragedy.
Dan Gregor: But when Ryan Murphy can win an Emmy for it, we are able to make [a joke.] yeah.
Doug Mand: We really feel like we succeeded the place perhaps Ryan Murphy may have been a bit of funnier.
What This Means For The Bare Gun
The Reboot Isn’t Shying Away From Powerful Subjects
For the writers, the steadiness was at all times about acknowledging real-world tragedy with out exploiting it. They made a deliberate effort to not lean too arduous into mocking or making gentle of the intense occasions that transpired. This method aligns with the tone of the unique Bare Gun trilogy, which incessantly combined outrageous humor with real-world references.
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The place To Watch The Bare Gun: Showtimes & Streaming Standing
The Bare Gun reboot is sort of right here, and right here is when the Liam Neeson comedy hits theaters and when it can launch on streaming and digital.
Nevertheless, in 2025, the writers have been additionally conscious of how a lot tradition had modified. Whereas The Bare Gun is primarily a slapstick comedy, this reboot reveals the artistic group is not afraid of tackling delicate topics. Somewhat than avoiding controversy, they use it strategically with out letting it overwhelm the comedy.
That is vital for a franchise like The Bare Gun, which constructed its popularity on pushing comedic boundaries. By acknowledging Simpson’s legacy, even briefly, it demonstrates that the movie will not ignore the cultural influence of the unique movies or fake that historical past does not exist. It additionally reveals a wise tonal replace for right this moment’s extra socially conscious viewers.
A Sensible, Respectful Transfer That Balances Humor & Sensitivity
Addressing Simpson’s character was inevitable, and it appears the writers discovered a pointy, managed strategy to do it. The choice to maintain the joke quick however efficient reveals respect for Simpson’s victims, whereas nonetheless delivering the sort of daring comedy The Bare Gun is known for.
If that is any indication of the movie’s total tone, The Bare Gun reboot may efficiently mix old-school humor and trendy audiences. With Neeson taking the lead and seasoned comedy writers behind the script, the movie may strike the steadiness wanted to revive the franchise.
The Bare Gun
8/10
Launch Date
August 1, 2025
Director
Akiva Schaffer
Writers
Akiva Schaffer, Doug Mand, Dan Gregor
Producers
Erica Huggins
Franchise(s)
The Bare Gun
