“Naked Gun” Director Limited Reboot to Only 1 O.J. Simpson Joke to Be ‘Respectful’: ‘The Elephant in the Room’

In a bid to show respect, the director of the movie ‘Naked Gun’ has decided to limit references to O.J. Simpson to just one joke in the reboot of the popular police comedy. Akiva Schaffer, who is helming the latest instalment of the franchise, was conscious of the need to address Simpson’s previous involvement in the original films. The decision to include only one joke concerning Simpson’s character, Detective Nordberg, was made in order to acknowledge the sensitive nature of the subject matter.

When Akiva Schaffer announced his involvement in the new ‘Naked Gun’ project, the immediate question arose about how he would handle O.J. Simpson’s character from the earlier films. Simpson, a controversial figure due to his well-known legal troubles, had a significant role in the original movie released in 1988, as well as its sequels in 1991 and 1994. The director felt it was essential to tackle this issue head-on and address it in a way that was both respectful and humorous.

Schaffer revealed that after crafting the initial joke regarding Simpson’s character, the writing team consciously chose not to include any further references to him in the script. The lone joke appears in the movie’s trailer, with Liam Neeson and Paul Walter Hauser paying homage to their late parents before a scene featuring Simpson’s character. While the joke resonated well with test audiences, Schaffer underscored the importance of being sensitive and not exploiting controversial subjects to garner laughs.

The director emphasised the need to strike a delicate balance between humour and respect when dealing with such a topic. Despite feeling uncertain about the joke’s reception, Schaffer acknowledged that it succeeded in addressing the elephant in the room without being distasteful. By portraying the reference in a subtle and clever manner, the filmmakers aimed to acknowledge Simpson’s past while steering clear of making light of serious events associated with him.

Acknowledging the potential controversy surrounding the limited inclusion of O.J. Simpson in the movie, Schaffer explained that he and the team were prepared to make necessary adjustments based on audience feedback. With the film’s runtime kept in check, the director assured that any jokes that crossed the line would be removed during the editing process. This cautious approach ensured that the final product maintained a balance between entertainment and sensitivity towards delicate issues.

Produced by Seth MacFarlane, the latest iteration of ‘Naked Gun’ continues the legacy of the iconic franchise that originally featured Leslie Nielsen as the beloved Detective Frank Drebin. The new film follows Neeson’s character, Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., as he steps into his father’s shoes within the police force. The ensemble cast includes names like Pamela Anderson, CCH Pounder, and Kevin Durand, among others, promising an exciting and humorous take on the classic comedy series.

As ‘Naked Gun’ hit theatres on Friday, Aug. 1, fans eagerly awaited to see how the beloved franchise had been reimagined for a new generation. With the director’s emphasis on handling sensitive subjects with care and humour, the movie seeks to pay homage to its predecessors while carving out a fresh and entertaining narrative. As audience reactions pour in, it will be interesting to see how the limited reference to O.J. Simpson is received within the broader context of the film’s comedic approach.

In conclusion, the decision to restrict O.J. Simpson references in the ‘Naked Gun’ reboot to a single joke reflects the director’s commitment to treating sensitive subjects with tact and consideration. By striking a delicate balance between humour and respect, the filmmakers aim to honour the legacy of the original franchise while delivering an entertaining and engaging movie experience.