Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson are a perfect match in "The Naked Gun." The pair is rebooting the beloved franchise of crime spoof comedies. For those who don't know the genre, think of the "Scary Movie" franchise, but centered on cops and crimes.
"The Naked Gun" is a reboot of the original trilogy of films first released in the late '80s, starring Leslie Nielsen and Priscilla Presley.
Neeson and Anderson found great partners in each other on set, with the film representing a new era for both of their careers. While Neeson is normally known as an action guy and a dramatic actor, this part is one of his silliest. In the case of Anderson, the job represents a career renaissance of sorts, which first started with "The Last Showgirl," granting her her first Golden Globe nomination.
"I wanted to bring to the character some vulnerability and sincerity. It's really easy to play way over the top, and it's good to have some groundedness when there's this comedy happening. So that was a challenge," said Anderson in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. "You have to kind of jump off the deep end together. We're going to be silly, but you also have to remain a true character."
Neeson had nothing but praise for her work, labeling Anderson as one of the best parts of the film. "She embraced and embodied the silliness, the quirkiness, and the intensity — and a little sad quality in her, too, which was adorable," he said. "She's got that feistiness and innate sense of humor… And very easy on the eyes, too."
Anderson's exciting future
As one of the biggest '90s icons with roles in "Baywatch" and a thoroughly monitored private life, Anderson's new leaf in her work has been a surprise for her. In the coming months, she's scheduled to star in a play premiering at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and two new movies alongside talents like Dakota Fanning and Michael Cera.
"I was a little bit disappointed in myself a few years back when I thought, I guess that's all there is," she said. "I feel like I had so much more to give, but I really have never been an ambitious person and have always listened to what's going on around me."
"The Naked Gun" is premiering in theaters on August 1st.