Akiva Schaffer wrote only one joke about O.J. Simpson in the film, a joke that proved so popular in test screenings that he didn't feel the need to write more, aiming to be respectful of the sensitive circumstances surrounding the situation.
Director Akiva Schaffer and producer Seth MacFarlane believed they could capture the spirit of the original films—particularly their rapid-fire gags and deadpan delivery—while telling a new story. In the reboot, Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen's iconic character.
The reboot represents a bet by Paramount that big-screen, laugh-out-loud comedies can still be successful with audiences. The strong opening performance of the 2025 reboot could potentially pave the way for more comedies in theaters.