Liam Neeson has recently addressed the possibility of a sequel to the 2025 film, The Naked Gun, following its impressive $101 million global box office performance. The actor, known for his roles in movies such as Love Actually, Schindler’s List, and Star Wars, starred as Frank Drebin Jr. in the latest installment, a role originally made famous by Leslie Nielsen.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight while promoting another project, Neeson revealed that he has yet to be approached by Paramount about continuing the franchise, leaving the sequel’s future unclear despite the recent film’s financial success.
Details From Neeson on Potential Return to Franchise
Neeson expressed interest in returning to the Naked Gun series, provided that the script meets his expectations and that co-stars Pamela Anderson and Danny Huston are also able to reprise their roles. As of now, no official communication about a sequel has reached him.
“I honestly don’t know. I haven’t been approached. Yeah, sure. Obviously, if the script was good, Pamela was available and Danny Huston, hopefully. But, no, there’s been no phone calls. It’s nothing. And I think it did okay at the box office.”
This candid statement underlines Neeson’s uncertainty and cautious hopefulness about a potential follow-up film, while acknowledging the recent movie’s moderate box office performance.
Origins and Evolution of the Naked Gun Franchise
The Naked Gun series began on television with the 1982 show Police Squad!, which lasted only six episodes before ABC cancelled it. Despite the short-lived series, Leslie Nielsen’s portrayal of Frank Drebin became iconic through three subsequent films released between 1988 and 1994. These original movies earned domestic box office returns ranging from $51 million to $86 million.
The franchise’s comedy focuses on Frank Drebin, an inept detective whose clumsy antics still lead to solved cases. Nearly three decades later, Paramount revitalized the series by casting Liam Neeson as Drebin’s son, continuing the legacy after Nielsen’s death in 2010.
The 2025 Film’s Reception and Critical Acclaim
Directed by Akiva Schaffer, the 2025 Naked Gun reboot debuted in August, earning $52 million domestically and $101 million worldwide. Additionally, the film has been well-received critically, holding an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating positive reviews from both critics and viewers alike.
Ongoing Speculation and Industry Perspectives on a Sequel
Since the release of the 2025 film, speculation about a sequel has increased. Producer Seth MacFarlane has acknowledged talks with filmmakers and cast members regarding a second installment. However, neither Schaffer nor Neeson have shown definitive enthusiasm publicly for moving forward on a follow-up.
According to previous statements from the director, changes in Paramount’s ownership have contributed to the hesitation about continuing the franchise. While Neeson expressed excitement about the possibility during his most recent interview, he also characterized the 2025 movie as a standalone project earlier.
What Lies Ahead for the Franchise and Its Fans
Though the filmmakers reportedly have ideas to further expand The Naked Gun universe, Paramount executives have remained silent on official plans, leaving audiences uncertain about the franchise’s direction. In the meantime, fans have access to the new film through streaming platforms like Paramount+ and Prime Video, allowing viewers to revisit or discover the latest iteration.
