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Box Office Snapshot: A Fast Start for a Comedy Reboot
Liam Neeson’s surprising turn in the new The Naked Gun reboot has hit a notable milestone in under two weeks, signaling that theatrical comedy still has room to breathe. Released August 1, the Paramount Pictures release — which also features Pamela Anderson — opened to a $16.8 million weekend, the second-best start in the franchise. Industry reports then pegged Friday’s intake at roughly $2.3 million and a projected $8.4 million for the following weekend, bringing the expected domestic total to about $33 million.
Plot Summary: A Legacy Reboot With a Modern Twist
The 2025 The Naked Gun serves as both a reboot and a legacy sequel: Liam Neeson takes on the role of Frank Drebin Jr., a goofy, well-meaning cop who carries forward the slapstick DNA established by Leslie Nielsen’s original Frank Drebin. The film blends affectionate callbacks to the 1988–1994 trilogy with fresh gags and contemporary pop-culture satire — an approach that aims to attract longtime fans while inviting new audiences to the franchise.
Cast and Crew
At the center is Liam Neeson, whose presence pushes the movie into a different comedic register than the original films. Pamela Anderson co-stars in a high-profile supporting role, adding a wink of nostalgia for ’90s-era viewers. While the original trilogy’s Leslie Nielsen remains an iconic referent, this reboot leans on a mix of familiar cameos and new comedic voices to update the film for modern moviegoers.
Behind the Scenes and Production Details
Paramount positioned the reboot as its final release under previous leadership, timed as the studio’s acquisition by Skydance closed. The film reportedly carries a production budget near $42 million, which places pressure on both domestic and international box office to reach breakeven. Production embraced practical, physical comedy — a deliberate choice to make the gags play even bigger on the big screen. The marketing leaned into nostalgia, using the franchise’s recognizable rhythm while highlighting Neeson’s willingness to play broad comedic beats.
Box Office Context and Franchise Comparisons
Compared with the original trilogy’s domestic tallies — $78M for The Naked Gun (1988), $86.9M for The Naked Gun 2½ (1991), and $51M for Naked Gun 33 1/3 (1994) — the 2025 reboot hasn’t yet caught up to its predecessors. With a domestic figure projected near $33M so far, it sits below the third film but could close the gap if international markets and ancillary revenues build momentum. The 50% weekend-to-weekend drop is typical for comedies and doesn’t automatically predict long-term decline.
Critical Reception and Audience Reaction
Critics and audiences have been receptive: the movie holds an impressive Tomatometer score near 89%, reflecting strong praise for its balance of nostalgia and updated humor. Reviewers have highlighted Neeson’s unexpected comedic timing and the film’s success at producing big theatrical laughs — a quality some industry observers thought relegated to streaming. Steady box office and high critical marks suggest viewers are eager to enjoy communal comedy experiences again.
What the Numbers Mean: Profitability and Franchise Potential
At a reported $42 million budget, The Naked Gun still has ground to cover before turning a profit, but international earnings and post-theatrical revenue streams (streaming deals, TV rights, merchandise) could push it into the black. Paramount’s recent handover to Skydance raises the possibility that this reboot could be the seed for a resurrected franchise under new studio leadership — if box office trends and audience demand continue upward.
Our Take: Why This Matters for Theatrical Comedy
Crossing $33 million in under two weeks might not match blockbuster spectacles, but for a comedy reboot in today’s theatrical landscape it’s meaningful. The film demonstrates that with the right blend of homage and contemporary voice, theatrical comedies can still draw crowds. If The Naked Gun maintains momentum, it may open the door for other studio-backed comedies to aim for cinemas instead of streaming-first releases. For fans of broad satire and moviegoing traditions, Neeson’s spoof offers a welcome reminder: big laughs still belong on the big screen.
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