O.J. Simpson is getting a shout-out in the much-anticipated reboot of The Naked Gun, but the reference isn’t exactly flattering. The newly dropped trailer for the film, which centers around the next generation of Police Squad cops—children of the original stars—includes a surprising and somewhat uncomfortable moment involving the former NFL star.
In a scene set in the Police Squad’s “Hall of Legends,” Liam Neeson’s character is seen mourning the loss of his father, Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character Lt. Frank Drebin. However, when the camera shifts to a plaque honoring O.J. Simpson’s character, Detective Nordberg, things take a more awkward turn. His character’s son simply shakes his head in disapproval, a not-so-subtle jab at O.J.’s post-career controversies.
Simpson’s portrayal of Detective Nordberg in the original Naked Gun trilogy (1988–1994) was a memorable part of the comedic series. But his career, both in Hollywood and sports, was significantly impacted by the criminal trial and his controversial acquittal in the 1994 murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman.
Following the trial, Simpson’s acting career largely fizzled out, and this reboot’s sly reference to his tarnished legacy serves as a reminder of how much has changed for the former football star. It’s clear that the film is using this moment to poke fun at O.J.’s fall from grace, rather than celebrate his earlier comedic contributions.
