Liam Neeson Rules Out ‘Naked Gun 5’ Despite Reboot Success

The revival of slapstick comedy hit theaters with a bang as The Naked Gun reboot delighted audiences and critics alike, rapidly recouping its $42 million budget within weeks. Yet star Liam Neeson has decisively shut the door on franchise continuation. “I think it’s a one-off, yeah,” Neeson told Newsweek. “And if it succeeds, good.” This stance persists despite the film becoming one of 2024’s best-reviewed comedies, reigniting interest in the genre and outperforming box office projections.

Industry analysts note the reboot is nearing half the lifetime gross of the highest-earning original sequel (The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear). Even David Zucker, co-creator of the original series and previously the reboot’s most vocal critic, applauded its impact: “I’m excited about it because it just shows that there’s a strong market for comedy in movie theaters… People are liking it, which is great.” Zucker praised director Akiva Schaffer’s work despite his non-involvement.

Will ‘The Naked Gun’ Franchise Continue Without Sequels?

Neeson’s “one-off” declaration clarifies Paramount’s ambiguous franchise strategy. While the reboot introduces a new Frank Drebin Jr., studio plans originally hinted at potential sequels contingent on performance. Industry insiders suggest Neeson’s packed schedule and selective comedy choices contributed to this decision. His commitment to dramatic roles remains prioritized, with three films already lined post-Naked Gun.

The reboot’s success nonetheless proves spoof comedy’s enduring appeal. Its 85% Rotten Tomatoes score and strong audience turnout highlight pent-up demand for absurdist humor. Zucker emphasized this broader significance: “[It] shows that there’s a strong market for comedy in movie theaters, and spoof in particular.” The film’s performance revitalizes a genre largely absent from cinemas since the 2000s Scary Movie era.

How Does the Reboot Honor the Original Series?

Schaffer’s reboot pays homage through signature Zucker-style visual gags and deadpan delivery while modernizing references. It cleverly acknowledges franchise history, framing Neeson’s Drebin Jr. as the original bumbling detective’s son. This narrative bridge respects Leslie Nielsen’s legacy while allowing fresh storytelling. The film avoids rehashing plots from Police Squad! (1982) or the 1988-1994 movie trilogy, instead crafting original absurdist scenarios involving corporate espionage and robotic queens.

Cinema historians note the challenge of reviving beloved properties. “Comedy reboots risk alienating purists,” notes UCLA film professor Dr. Elena Martinez. “This iteration succeeded by balancing nostalgia with contemporary satire, proving spoofs can evolve beyond dated references.” The film’s emphasis on practical effects over CGI also echoes the originals’ charm.

The Naked Gun revival achieved what few reboots manage: critical praise, box office success, and genre revitalization. Yet Neeson’s firm stance means Frank Drebin Jr.’s misadventures end here. While no Naked Gun 5 awaits, the film’s triumph reaffirms slapstick’s timeless appeal. Celebrate this comedic victory by watching the reboot in theaters—and let us know if you think the franchise should continue without Neeson.

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Must Know

Why won’t Liam Neeson do Naked Gun 5?
Neeson explicitly termed the reboot a “one-off,” prioritizing his dramatic film career. With three new projects announced post-filming, scheduling conflicts and artistic preferences likely influenced this choice. His comments to Newsweek suggest no ongoing contractual commitments.

How successful was the Naked Gun reboot financially?
The film recouped its $42 million production budget within two weekends of global release. Current projections indicate it will surpass $120 million total, nearing the original trilogy’s highest earner (Naked Gun 2½’s $86 million).

Did the original creators approve of the reboot?
Co-creator David Zucker initially opposed the project but later praised its success and director Akiva Schaffer. Jerry Zucker has remained neutral, while Jim Abrahams hasn’t commented publicly.

Could Naked Gun 5 happen with another actor?
Paramount retains franchise rights, but Neeson’s departure complicates continuity. Without Drebin Jr., studios would likely reboot entirely or focus on spinoffs, risking audience backlash.

How does the reboot compare to the 1988 original?
Critics note similar gag density and absurdism but updated cultural references. Nielsen’s iconic deadpan remains unmatched, though Neeson earned praise for balancing physical comedy with his signature gravitas.