How ‘The Naked Gun' reboot mocks former star O.J. Simpson
The new 'Naked Gun' reboot, which opens in theaters Friday, doesn't shy away from the franchise's most controversial cast member: O.J. Simpson.
For three movies of the 1980s and '90s police spoof series, Simpson, who died in 2024 at age 76, played Officer Nordberg.
The fourth flick, starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, acknowledges — and mocks — Simpson's 'Naked Gun' history.
3 O.J. Simpson starred in three 'Naked Gun' films with Leslie Nielsen (center) during the 1980s and '90s.
©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Coll
In an early scene, Neeson, who plays Lt. Frank Drebin, Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen's 'Police Squad' character, emotionally speaks to a photo of Nielsen hanging on the station's wall.
'Hi, Dad,' the 'Taken' star begins.
Then the camera pans out to reveal a long line of other officers opening up to pictures of their own fathers — including Simpson's Nordberg.
'Hi, pops,' says actor Moses Jones as Nordberg, Jr. to Simpson's mug.
After a beat, Jones comically looks directly into the camera, shakes his head back and forth and makes a 'nuh-uh' noise.
3 Liam Neeson plays Lieutenant Frank Drebin, Jr.
AP
Better known as a football player who played nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Simpson also had a modest acting career.
He appeared in 'The Towering Inferno' with Paul Newman and Steve McQueen and on an episode of the miniseries 'Roots,' among other titles.
But his biggest part was as Nordberg in the 'Naked Gun' trilogy.
In fact, his last outing on the big screen, 'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult,' hit theaters just three months before he was accused of killing ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in Los Angeles, California.
Simpson was acquitted in criminal court in 1995, but was found liable for their deaths during a civil trial in 1997.
3 Simpson attended the premiere of 'Naked Gun 33 1/2: The Final Insult' with ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson.
Getty Images
He would notch one more acting credit — filmed before the murders and ensuing trial — in Disney's TV series 'Adventures in Wonderland.'
However, Simpson's episode, called 'White Rabbits Can't Jump,' was pulled from the air. And it is the sole 'Wonderland' chapter that's not available on Disney+.
Simpson died of prostate cancer in 2004 while he was living in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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The heart of the home is a bespoke kitchen outfitted with top-tier appliances and finishes, joined by a breakfast nook and a walk-in pantry. 19 The primary suite. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 An ensuite bathroom. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 The pool. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo 19 A breakfast space. Christopher Amitrano / CS8 Photo The spa-grade primary suite sits on the main level and features a sculptural soaking tub, a steam shower and a sauna. Four secondary bedrooms upstairs each include their own ensuite bathrooms. Outdoors, the 1-acre-plus property extends the home's immersive vision. A resort-style pool and spa, a firepit, an alfresco kitchen and a yoga deck are joined by a detached horse stable — both a nod to the community's equestrian culture and a rare amenity in new construction. 'This community has always been about privacy and prestige. Now, it's also becoming a canvas for architectural storytelling,' Omar said. 19 A view of the open floor plan. 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