Irish actor Liam Neeson reflects on 'joyful' new movie with Pamela Anderson

The fourth installment of ‘The Naked Gun’ franchise staring Irish actor Liam Neeson hits cinema screens across Ireland this  bank holiday weekend. 

Neeson, who was nominated for an academy award in 1994 for his role in Shindler's List, stars as Frank Drebin Junior, the leader of the Police Squad, a special department of the police force and son of detective Frank Drebin, who was played by the late comedic icon Leslie Nielson, in the first three movies. 

Former Baywatch Star Pamela Anderson also features for the first time in the franchise as Beth Davenport, a femme fatale who becomes involved with Drebin Jr when he launches an investigation into her brothers’ mysterious death. 

The all-star cast also includes Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, Cody Runnels, and CCH Pounder. 

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Ahead of its release in Ireland, Neeson and Anderson attended the New York premiere of the movie alongside their sons (from previous relationships) Daniel Neeson, Micheál Neeson and Dylan Jagger Lee, and Brandon Thomas Lee respectively.  

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson are each joined by their sons at #TheNakedGun premiere pic.twitter.com/e7RToPq9h4

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 28, 2025

At the premiere they spoke with entertainment website The Hollywood Reporter and when asked about what the best part of collaborating with one another was, Neeson quipped: "That was really hard to do, to act together.” 

Anderson added: “It was such a great project and what a great way to get to know somebody and laugh every day, just to know that you’re contributing to something funny.” 

The duo then were also quizzed on whether they questioned what they had gotten themselves into with the ‘occasionally outrageous comedy’, with Neeson revealing: “There was a few of those yeah. But it was all still joyful.” 

In contrast, Anderson seemed to not have had reservations: “It was fun to be a part of something that was just schoolboy humour and just have a few laughs. 

“Everyone likes to have those belly laughs and be silly. I think laughter is medicine and I think it’s much needed.” 

The Naked Gun is written by The Lonely Island’s Akiva Schaffer with actor and comedian Seth MacFarlane credited as a producer. 

Speaking on Schaffer’s work on the film, MacFarlane believes that he has reconceptualized comedy filmmaking: “He approaches comedy from a selfless point of view. He’s out to get laughs, he's out to make his audience happy; he’s not going in to win Oscars, he’s just here to do the job that comedies supposed to do.” 

The Naked Gun will be available to Irish cinema goers from this Friday, August 1.