Pamela Andersonis trading emotional drama for high-octane absurdity this summer, stepping into the spoof spotlight as a new femme fatale inParamount’s reboot ofThe Naked Gun. Hot off a career-defining performance inThe Last Showgirl, the formerBaywatchstar is swinging hard in the opposite direction — and from the sounds of it, having the time of her life.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Anderson opened up about her role in the reboot,working withLiam Neeson, and how the slapstick comedy might just be one of her most cathartic projects yet. “It is the same depth of process for a high comedy as it is for a drama,” Anderson said. “I worked hard on the role, another cathartic experience. Every film, it seems, tackles a deep-seated issue that needs to be expressed and surfaced in ways other than anything else.”
In the first look at the film, Anderson appears as Beth — a glamorous woman who seeks help from the Police Squad after the mysterious murder of her brother. And yes, she’s channeling full femme fatale energy, much likePriscilla Presley’s character from the originalNaked Guntrilogy.
“She comes to the Police Squad for help. I can’t say more than that… but you’ll know the type.”
‘The Naked Gun’ Has The Same Sense of Absurd Humor
The reboot stars Neesonas Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the late, greatLeslie Nielsen’s iconic deadpan detective. Much like the original series and films — which skewered cop dramas with sight gags, wordplay, and slapstick mayhem — the newestNaked Gunentry promises a new generation of laughs, but with the same absurd DNA.
Neeson, known for his action-heavy and often humorless roles, seems like a surprising choice — until you remember how wellThe Naked Gunworked because Nielsen played every ridiculous scene like he was doing the most harrowing drama of all time.Anderson clearly had a blast keeping up with him. Asked whether she could keep a straight face during filming. “Oh, yes! We cracked up a few times,” she admitted. “There is no trick — the best strategy is to play the scenes dramatically and truthfully.The comedy is for the audience, not for us. We are in the moment.” She described theTakenstar as “mysterious,” “inspiring,” and a “true gentleman,” adding, “It was electric in a way. He is a legend and deserving of the title.”
The Naked Gunwill open in theaters on August 1.Get your first look at Pamela Anderson in the upcoming reboot above.
The Naked Gun
