“That’s Hollywood” David Zucker Explains Why He’s Not a Part of ‘Naked Gun’

TMZ spoke with David Zucker (76) about the Paramount+ remake of The Naked Gun. Unfortunately for fans, Zucker will be missing in action. 

In the video shared on YouTube, the director of classic comedies like Naked Gun and Airplane!, revealed he won’t be involved in the remake of his film. 

When asked about it, he revealed that “Paramount is just going ahead and doing it” and that he “doesn’t have any thoughts on it.”

When asked why, he explained, “That’s Hollywood.”

The 76-year-old television executive producer, known for his hilarious spoofs, further added that “[Paramount] wasn’t excited about having the franchise given to other people.” 

He added that at that time, he “couldn’t believe it” because he and his partners, Pat Proft and Mike McManus, had submitted an original screenplay to revive the franchise to Paramount in 2018. They thought the screenplay was “great,” and the studio agreed with them the last they heard.

As for how this entirely new set of people will handle the material, Zucker has little idea “whether or not they’re going to do a good job with it.” 

“I don’t have any control over it,” he said. “It’s completely their concept. They haven’t asked me for my help,” the filmmaker said. He explained that “they have not contacted me to make a cameo or be involved in the writing.”

Furthermore, Zucker explained the technical side of things in the remake. 

He explained that these spoofs are not rocket science, but they aren’t easy either. Adding, “I often say, ‘Kids, don’t try this at home’”

Zucker has a very peculiar style, and he claims that he developed it over the years. “We kind of know the rules,” he added. He also clarified that doesn’t mean that “somebody else can’t do it in their own style.” 

The director is also not convinced whether a remake is needed, saying, “I don’t know whether or not a remake of Naked Gun will especially move the needle one way or the other.” 

“The younger generations are already discovering and watching old classics like Naked Gun, Airplane, Top Secret, and BASEketball,” he added.

And people agree with him, with one user commenting, “Stop trying to redo things…it’s never as good as the original..”

He ended the nearly 2-minute short clip by sharing that the only thing different in the movie’s remake is that “it won’t have OJ in it.” 

He added, “I found that OJs acting was a lot like his murdering. He got away with it, but nobody believed him.” 

Well, he’s known as a veritable comedy legend for a reason!

The news of the Naked Gun remake broke earlier this week, and rumors have it that Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson is set to star opposite Liam Neeson. It will be directed by Akiva Schaffer, a Saturday Night Live (SNL) writer who — it was previously announced — is rewriting a draft pitched by Seth MacFarlane. The film is set to release in July 2025.

Until it comes through, you can watch the original.