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 unique trilogy, Simpson performed the bumbling detective whose bodily comedy grew to become a staple of the movies. However, within the many years since, Simpson’s extremely publicized trial and controversial repute posed a serious query about what must be achieved along with his character within the reboot.
Starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, the upcoming reboot goals to steadiness basic slapstick with fashionable satire, and that features addressing Nordberg’s character with each care and nerve. The writers revealed that whereas they didn’t wish to dwell on Simpson’s real-life controversies, they knew audiences would count on some acknowledgment.
In a latest 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. In response to the duo, the group needed to “drag him over the coals” with out making it the primary subject. Learn their full feedback beneath:
Doug Mand: We have been like, “Oh, we won’t actually give it to him whereas he’s alive, however now that he is lifeless, let’s actually drag him over the coals.”
No, look, this was one of many first questions if you inform folks like, “We’re doing a Bare Gun.” One of many prime three questions was, “How are you coping with OJ? How are you coping with Nordberg?”
We knew that it was one thing we needed to take care of. We shortly discovered whereas we have been writing it with Akiva that we did not wish to dwell in it too lengthy. Clearly, we’re laughing, [but] there is a vital tragedy behind this man and his legacy, so you do not wish to dwell 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 possibly Ryan Murphy may have been a bit funnier.
What This Means For The Bare Gun
The Reboot Isn’t Shying Away From Robust Matters
For the writers, the steadiness was all the time about acknowledging real-world tragedy with out exploiting it. They made a deliberate effort to not lean too laborious into mocking or making mild of the intense occasions that transpired. This strategy aligns with the tone of the unique Bare Gun trilogy, which regularly combined outrageous humor with real-world references.
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Nonetheless, 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. Quite than avoiding controversy, they use it strategically with out letting it overwhelm the comedy.
That is essential for a franchise like The Bare Gun, which constructed its repute on pushing comedic boundaries. By acknowledging Simpson’s legacy, even briefly, it demonstrates that the movie will not ignore the cultural affect of the unique movies or faux that historical past does not exist. It additionally reveals a wise tonal replace for as we speak’s extra socially conscious viewers.
A Good, Respectful Transfer That Balances Humor & Sensitivity
Addressing Simpson’s character was inevitable, and it appears the writers discovered a pointy, managed technique to do it. The choice to maintain the joke brief 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 would possibly efficiently mix old-school humor and fashionable 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
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August 1, 2025
- Director
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Akiva Schaffer
- Writers
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Akiva Schaffer, Doug Mand, Dan Gregor
- Producers
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Erica Huggins
- Franchise(s)
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The Bare Gun