Stream Now: Explore the Files of 'Naked Gun' Filmmakers

A New Chapter for “The Naked Gun” and Its Legacy

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, “The Naked Gun” movies starring Leslie Nielsen were a cultural phenomenon. These films were known for their absurd humor, slapstick comedy, and clever wordplay. Now, the franchise is making a comeback with a new installment, featuring a fresh cast and a new director, Akiva Schaffer of the comedy group the Lonely Island. This revival brings back the spirit of the original series while introducing it to a new generation of viewers.

The Comedy Legacy of ZAZ and the Lonely Island

One of the most appealing aspects of the new “The Naked Gun” is its connection to the comedic roots of Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers — David and Jerry — collectively known as ZAZ. Their work on classic comedies like “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun” set the tone for absurdist humor that still resonates today. ZAZ’s influence extends beyond their own films, as they have also collaborated with the Lonely Island, a group that includes Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, and Andy Samberg.

Interestingly, both ZAZ and the Lonely Island share a unique bond: they are comedy collaborators who started out as childhood friends. While ZAZ hailed from Wisconsin, the Lonely Island came from Berkeley, California. Despite their different origins, their shared love for humor led them to create some of the most memorable comedies in recent history.

The Original “Naked Gun” Films

ZAZ’s breakthrough came in 1980 with “Airplane!”, a parody of disaster films that became a cult classic. Starring Leslie Nielsen, the film showcased their signature style of humor — filled with wordplay, nonsense, and cheeky jokes. It's available to stream on platforms like Paramount, Kanopy, and Peacock.

Following up on the success of “Airplane!”, the trio released “Top Secret!” in 1984. This film, which follows a spy mission in Germany led by an American rock star (played by Val Kilmer in his first film role), was another hit. You can rent it on iTunes or Amazon.

Then came “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!” in 1988, based on the ZAZ TV series “Police Squad!” from 1982. This movie was a parody of the Lee Marvin series “M Squad.” It spawned two sequels, “The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear” (1991) and “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.” All of the “Naked Gun” films are now available to stream on Paramount+.

Akiva Schaffer and the Lonely Island’s Journey

Akiva Schaffer, the director of the new “The Naked Gun,” began his career as part of the Lonely Island. He joined the group in 2005 when they were part of “Saturday Night Live.” Their digital short “Lazy Sunday” went viral and helped establish their comedic voice. Schaffer directed many of the group’s digital shorts during their time on the show.

His feature film debut came in 2007 with “Hot Rod,” a comedy starring Andy Samberg as an aspiring stuntman. Originally written for Will Ferrell by Pam Brady, the film was not a commercial success but has since gained a cult following. It's available to stream on Kanopy and Paramount+.

Schaffer continued to build his reputation with films like “The Watch” (2012), which he directed and starred in alongside Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, and Richard Ayoade. The film follows a neighborhood watch group that stumbles upon extraterrestrial activity. It's available on Starz or can be rented elsewhere.

In 2016, Schaffer reunited with Samberg and Taccone for the mockumentary “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” a satirical take on music documentaries. The film features Samberg as Conner4Real, with Taccone as his DJ and Schaffer as his lyricist. It's available on Netflix and Peacock.

More recently, Schaffer directed the 2022 animated comedy “Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers,” which is streaming on Disney+. He has also directed episodes of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,” both of which showcase his affinity for absurdist humor.

A New Era for “The Naked Gun”

With the release of the new “The Naked Gun,” fans of the original series and newcomers alike have the opportunity to revisit the comedic legacy of ZAZ and the Lonely Island. Whether you're looking for a laugh or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this revival promises to bring the same kind of chaotic, witty humor that made the original films so beloved.