‘I soaked him in like a sponge' – Pamela Anderson says Naked Gun co-star Liam Neeson is a ‘legend'
The Irishman plays the role of Lt. Frank Drebin Jr in the sequel, alongside Anderson who plays a woman named Beth in the film.
The Naked Gun franchise began with the Police Squad! series in 1982 before it became a film franchise, famous for sending up cop drama tropes and ridiculous visual jokes led by the late Leslie Nielsen.
Originally billed as a reboot, the sequel coming this summer and starring the Taken actor will instead serve as a continuation of the series as Neeson plays the son of Nielsen's famous character.
Speaking about Neeson and working with him in a comedy movie, as opposed to one of his more familiar action roles, the former Baywatch actress said she had a hard time keeping a straight face at times.
She also spoke about their relationship on set, saying Neeson was "mysterious', 'inspiring' and the 'true gentleman', a sentiment the 72-year-old Ballymena man previously shared last year when he admitted he was 'madly in love' with his co-star.
Anderson also said Neeson was "electric in a way'.
"Our chemistry was clear from the start,' Anderson told Entertainment Weekly.
"We have the utmost respect for one another.
"He is a legend and deserving of the title.
"I also baked my sourdough bread for therapy and regularly shared with him, along with cookies and muffins.
"We had many dinners out with the cast.
"I invited him and his assistant over for romantic dinners with me and my assistant so our relationship stayed 'professionally romantic' during filming.
"I am in awe of him, his experience, and work ethic.
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"I soaked him in like a sponge.'
The original Naked Gun movie raked in $152.4 million on a budget of $12 million.
Rumours of another film had circulated since 2009, with reports stating that The Naked Gun: What 4? The Rhythm of Evil was in development, before being put on the back burner following the death of Nielsen in 2010.
The return was confirmed by Paramount Pictures in 2013, but the project seemed to have been forgotten until October 2022 when the film was officially greenlit with The Lonely Island's Akiva Schaffer directing.
Speaking about the movie, Anderson added: "It is the same depth of process for a high comedy as it is for a drama.
"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.
"I'm hoping people love it. We had so much fun making it. I think it's timely for a beloved comedy like this. I'm a fan of the originals. As Liam says: 'We could all use a good giggle.' I pray we do more.'
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