Explore the creative journey behind the unforgettable snowman scene in ‘The Naked Gun,’ as director Akiva Schaffer shares his insights and challenges.
Inside the Controversial Scene of ‘The Naked Gun’
[Editor’s note: The following interviews contain spoilers for “The Naked Gun.”]
The Unexpected Snowman Scene
It’s a scene that comes out of nowhere, and it’s the one people want to discuss after watching the latest “Naked Gun” movie. At the film’s midpoint, Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) and Beth (Pamela Anderson) fall in love, leading to an ‘80s-style montage featuring the couple on a romantic getaway to a winter cabin.
A Magical and Hilarious Snowman
At the secluded cabin, a book of spells brings Frank and Beth’s cheerfully-made snowman to life. Initially, the snowman is part of the couple’s playful, intimate games, but it soon becomes a third wheel, resulting in comedic chaos and transforming the love montage into a scene reminiscent of a horror movie.
The snowman is absurd, bold, and hysterical — a perfect blend of “The Naked Gun” and the Lonely Island’s humor — showcasing how co-writer/director Akiva Schaffer infused his unique style into the franchise.
Schaffer’s Vision and Concerns
During his appearance on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, Schaffer expressed his concerns about creating “fan fiction” of the original. He noted, “No offense to other reboots and sequels, but many are so focused on replicating the original that they feel like empty calories.”
Schaffer and co-writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand faced a pivotal moment in their script when they realized, “This love story deserves a montage.” They aimed to differentiate their montage from the iconic original, which featured the catchy ‘I’m Into Something Good’ by Herman’s Hermits.
Finding Inspiration
While Schaffer was aware of “Jack Frost,” he hadn’t considered spoofing the killer snowman genre until one night when inspiration struck him at 4 AM. He quickly jotted down his ideas and shared them with his co-writers, who immediately embraced the concept.
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Initial Resistance and Final Approval
Despite some initial skepticism from colleagues, including Andy Sandberg, who recognized the scene’s potential, Schaffer had to defend its inclusion. He ultimately succeeded, as the snowman scene became a standout moment during test screenings, leading to a change of heart from those who initially doubted it.
“After the first test screening, it was the number one scene in the movie,” Schaffer remarked, noting that those who opposed it later acknowledged their mistake.
A Paramount Pictures release, “The Naked Gun” is currently in theaters.
To hear Akiva Schaffer’s full interview, subscribe to the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.
