The Naked Gun (2025) Box Office: Liam Neeson’s Comedy Reboot Packs a Punch

The Naked Gun (2025)'s box office is off to a roaring start, proving that slapstick comedy still has a place in theaters.

Starring Liam Neeson as the bumbling Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson as Beth Davenport, this reboot of the beloved franchise has raked in $56.4 million worldwide in just under two weeks.

With a domestic haul of $33 million and $23.4 million from international markets, the film is defying expectations for R-rated comedies in a superhero-dominated summer. Let’s dive into the numbers, explore what’s driving this success, and predict where the box office totals might land by the end of its theatrical run.

Highlights:

• Domestic Performance: $33,009,738 (58.5% of total gross)

• International Earnings: $23,400,000 (41.5% of total gross)

• Worldwide Total: $56,409,738 in less than two weeks

• Opening Weekend: $17 million domestically, surpassing initial projections

• Budget: Approximately $42 million, setting a path toward profitability

How Strong Was the Opening Weekend?

The Naked Gun (2025) kicked off with a solid $17 million domestic opening across 3,344 theaters, marking the second-best debut in the franchise’s history.

This figure exceeded pre-release tracking, which had pegged the opening between $13-18 million. The film’s Thursday previews alone pulled in $1.6 million, signaling strong early interest.

By the end of its first weekend, it had grossed $6.3 million on Friday alone, setting a franchise record for a single-day opening.

This performance is notable in a market crowded with blockbusters like The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film’s ability to draw crowds, particularly older audiences nostalgic for the original trilogy, highlights its appeal as a legacy sequel.

Why Are Audiences Loving It?

The film’s success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about laughs. Critics and audiences have praised its absurd humor and Neeson’s surprising comedic chops, earning an 89% Tomatometer score and a 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The A- CinemaScore, matching the 1988 original, reflects strong word-of-mouth, with 47% of ticket buyers aged 18-34 and 31% over 45.

Social media buzz has been electric, with fans raving about Neeson’s deadpan delivery and Anderson’s comedic timing, calling it a “return to old-school comedy.”

The casting of Neeson, known for action roles, and Anderson, fresh off acclaim for The Last Showgirl, has broadened the film’s appeal. Clever marketing, including billboards with witty taglines like “Honk if you hate noise violations,” has also fueled interest.

What’s Driving International Success?

While domestic earnings lead at 58.5%, the international box office of $23.4 million shows the film resonating globally.

Markets like the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe have contributed significantly, likely due to the universal appeal of the franchise’s slapstick humor.

The film’s modest $42 million budget means it’s already halfway to breaking even, with international markets playing a key role. Strong word-of-mouth could push these numbers higher as the film continues its global rollout.

How Much Will It Earn by the End of Its Run?

Predicting the final box office tally involves some educated guesswork. With $56.4 million already banked, the film is on track to surpass $100 million worldwide, a benchmark achieved by all three original Naked Gun films.

Comedies typically see a 50% drop after the opening weekend, and The Naked Gun followed this trend with an $8.4 million second weekend domestically.

If it maintains steady legs, fueled by positive reviews and lack of direct comedy competition, it could reach $60-70 million domestically and $40-50 million internationally.

Factoring in ancillary revenues like streaming and home media, the film is likely to turn a profit. A total worldwide gross of $100-120 million by the end of its theatrical run seems plausible, especially if it sustains momentum in key markets.

Can It Revive Theatrical Comedies?

The Naked Gun’s performance is a beacon of hope for theatrical comedies, which have struggled against streaming releases. Unlike recent R-rated comedies like No Hard Feelings ($80 million worldwide), this reboot has tapped into nostalgia while delivering fresh humor.

Its success could pave the way for more big-screen comedies, potentially sparking a franchise revival under Paramount’s new Skydance leadership.

The film’s ability to attract a diverse audience, with 70% Caucasian, 15% Latino, and 6% Asian American viewers, shows its broad appeal.

If it continues to overperform, it might signal a shift in how studios approach comedy releases.The Naked Gun (2025) is proving that laughter can still draw crowds.

Some Closing Thoughts:

With a strong start, critical acclaim, and a nostalgic yet fresh vibe, it’s on course to be a sleeper hit.

As it continues its theatrical run, all eyes will be on whether it can sustain its momentum and cement Liam Neeson as comedy’s newest star.

Grab your popcorn and catch it in theaters before it’s gone!