Comedy fans have reason to celebrate as “The Naked Gun,” a sequel to the 1980s franchise, successfully made its theatrical debut, generating about $17 million in box office receipts. While it may not be a blockbuster hit, strong reviews from critics (90% positive on Rotten Tomatoes and an A- grade on CinemaScore) and word of mouth suggest a promising future for the film.
The comedy, directed by Akiva Schaffer, was made with a budget of $42 million and spent tens of millions more on marketing. Theatrical comedies have been struggling in recent years, generating less than half the box office revenue they once did. However, “The Naked Gun” is seen as a breath of fresh air, offering a rare opportunity for audiences to experience live comedy.
The film stars Liam Neeson as bumbling police officer Frank Drebin Jr. and features a producer who also created popular animated series like “Family Guy.” With two other comedies set to release this year (including “One of Them Days” in January and the upcoming “Freakier Friday”), fans are eager to see if “The Naked Gun” can revive the genre.
Despite its modest opening, “The Naked Gun” has found success thanks to its strong reviews and potential for word-of-mouth appeal. As streaming services continue to dominate the comedy landscape, it’s a welcome change to see a film like “The Naked Gun” hitting theaters and bringing live laughter back to audiences.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/business/media/the-naked-gun-box-office.html