Liam Neeson made waves in 2025 with a shocking hit that could've revolutionized Hollywood's stale trends. Enter The Naked Gun, a reboot no one expected but everyone ended up cheering for. Reviving Leslie Nielsen's legendary action-comedy legacy, Neeson's take was met with initial skepticism only to win over hearts once it hit the theaters. It was poised to reinvigorate the comedy genre, but will Hollywood take the hint?
Director Akiva Schaffer recently spilled the beans on the sequel's status, or rather, the lack of it. Despite the film's unexpected triumph, there's no sequel in the works. "It's disappointing," Schaffer admitted, echoing the audience's sentiments hoping for a comedy comeback. Neeson's Naked Gun had the potential to lead that charge.
“It's disappointing,” Schaffer admitted, echoing the audience's sentiments hoping for a comedy comeback.
But why stop there? Liam Neeson shines as Frank Dreben Jr., channeling his inner comedic genius in a role that proved he could do more than just action. Fans of Ted 2 and Anchorman 2 already knew Neeson could bring the laughs, but his deadpan delivery and serious vibe created a perfect storm of humor reminiscent of Leslie Nielsen's classic style. The reboot even nods to its roots, suggesting Nielsen's character guides his son from beyond as an owl – classic Naked Gun.
Yet, despite its success, the comedy is at a crossroads. The comedy genre, once a theater staple, is now languishing in the shadow of streaming giants. Hollywood needs more Naked Guns to breathe life back into comedy blockbusters.
The big question on the lips of cinema lovers everywhere: why aren't there more true comedies in theaters? Once upon a time, comedies ruled the box office, but today, they're a rare theatrical fixture. Action flicks, laced with humor, have taken their place, leaving die-hard comedy fans longing for films that prioritize laughs over explosions.
Iconic stars like Adam Sandler saw their comedies flourish on the big screen until streaming platforms took over. Now, even heavyweights like Will Ferrell and Melissa McCarthy find their projects bypassing theaters for living rooms. The Naked Gun could have broken this new mold, but without a sequel, the revolution stalls.
The Naked Gun managed to pull off a miracle, thriving as a theatrical comedy reboot. Though it wasn't a top earner, its success was enough to show there's still a craving for big-screen laughter. With more comedies like Neeson's hit, Hollywood could revive a forgotten genre and give audiences a reason to flock back to theaters.
The Naked Gun is streaming now on Paramount+.