Bullseye with Jesse Thorn Akiva Schaffer on 'The Naked Gun' reboot , The Lonely Island and more
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Aug 5, 2025 
Akiva Schaffer, director and writer known for his work with The Lonely Island, dives into the anticipated reboot of The Naked Gun. He shares the challenges of reviving a classic while respecting its legacy and discusses balancing fresh humor with nostalgia. Akiva reveals why Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping didn’t resonate with audiences despite critical acclaim. He reflects on the evolving landscape of comedy and the joy of creative collaboration, highlighting the unique blend of hip-hop and humor that defines his work.
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Risky Yet Respectful Rebooting
- Taking on a beloved franchise like The Naked Gun is risky because it could ruin childhood memories.
- The original is so perfect, you don't try to improve it, but rather create something new that honors its spirit.
No Cursing as Creative Challenge
- Challenge yourself by making a comedy movie with no cursing in a time when cursing is common.
- This approach honors the spirit of the originals and pushes creative boundaries.
Creating Naked Gun From Scratch
- Akiva Schaffer describes the process of developing The Naked Gun reboot from scratch without a script.
- He and his team worked intensely to build the movie fast with momentum to satisfy studios.