Ed Helms to Star in Reboot of ‘The Naked Gun’

‘The Hangover’ star Ed Helms has been confirmed to take over the role of Det. Frank Drebin, made famous by the late Leslie Nielsen, in Paramount Pictures’ reboot of ‘The Naked Gun’.

Variety reports that ‘Night at the Museum’ writers Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant have been signed to write the script, which is being described as a new spin on the character of Det. Drebin.  Lennon and Garant are best known for their work on the television show ‘Reno 911’ as well as collaborating on films like ‘Balls of Fury’ and ‘Hell Baby’.  Lennon and Garant also recently wrote the script for a ‘Baywatch’ adaptation for Paramount.

The 1988 film was a continuation of the short-lived (only 6 episodes) television spoof ‘Police Squad’ starring Nielsen.  ‘Police Squad’ and ‘The Naked Gun’ were created and produced by ‘Airplane!’ creators Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker.  No word yet if Abrahams and the Zucker brothers will have any connection with the reboot other than a customary listing in the credits.

This isn’t the first time Ed Helms has been attached to a comedy reboot, recently signing on for the reboot/sequel to ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ as the character of Rusty Griswold taking his family on a crazy road trip.

My only concern in this whole situation is Ed Helms.  He was hilarious in ‘The Hangover’, but I’m not sure if his style of comedy is befitting of what made ‘The Naked Gun’ unique.  Ed Helms is a bit over the top with his trademark freak-outs, which makes him a terrific successor to Chevy Chase and the ‘Vacation’ films, but Det. Drebin’s humor came from his deadpan delivery in the ridiculous scenarios that made up the film.  Sure, this is a reboot and a new spin on Det. Drebin, but its always a mistake to do a reboot that doesn't at least share a similar tone to its source material.