Akiva Schaffer discusses 'The Naked Gun' remake, The Lonely Island, and various other topics.
In the world of comedy, Akiva Schaffer has made a significant impact, both as a founding member of the renowned comedy music group The Lonely Island and as a director and writer in his own right.
Schaffer, along with Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, formed The Lonely Island, a group known for their hilarious musical parodies and popular sketches, many of which gained prominence through Saturday Night Live. Their unique style, which blends humor with sincerity, even in parody, has greatly influenced Schaffer's film work.
One of Schaffer's most notable works is the 2025 film "The Naked Gun," a sequel and continuation of the original franchise. In this film, he served as the director and co-writer, bringing the classic spoof comedy to life with contemporary action film sensibilities. Liam Neeson stars in the reboot, continuing the comedic legacy of the series with modern influences while honouring the original's style.
Another of Schaffer's successful projects is the 2016 comedy musical film "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping," which he directed and co-wrote. Produced by The Lonely Island, this mockumentary musical comedy is known for its sincere parody style, with Schaffer employing his signature blend of deadpan comedy and genuine genre elements.
Despite the humorous nature of his work, Schaffer's resume is far from being just a collection of joke-a-minute pieces. His ability to craft and present humor with sincerity, as demonstrated in "The Naked Gun" and "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping," makes him an ideal candidate for directing and writing a movie like "The Naked Gun."
The reboot of "The Naked Gun," starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, is set to be a dumb movie in the best possible way. Schaffer, with his extensive experience in comedy, is well-equipped to handle such a project, ensuring that it delivers the laughs while maintaining the spirit of the original series.
In an interview, Schaffer discussed his reasons for not wanting to direct "The Naked Gun" initially, but his passion for the project eventually overcame his reservations. He also talked about why "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping" didn't resonate with audiences as much as he had hoped.
Schaffer's work with The Lonely Island is described as very funny, and his contribution to the comedy scene is undeniable. As he continues to create and direct comedic masterpieces, audiences can look forward to more laugh-out-loud moments from this talented artist.
Schaffer utilizes his comedic skills learned from The Lonely Island, the group that brought comic parodies and sketches to Saturday Night Live, in his co-writing and directing of the 2025 movie "The Naked Gun." He also employs this style in the 2016 comedy musical film "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping," a project he directed and co-wrote, which is available for streaming on platforms such as movies-and-tv.
