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Liam Neeson Considers Comedy Shift, Rules Out Horror After Positive Audience Response to New Film
Actor Liam neeson is contemplating a potential career shift towards comedy following the successful reception of his latest film, a comedic reimagining of a previously action-oriented role. The positive reaction, extending beyond audiences familiar with the original material, has prompted Neeson to consider exploring more lighthearted projects.
“We live in anxious times. We all need a little laugh. Adn these movies carry just that – an innocent escape,” Neeson stated, emphasizing the appeal of the film’s comedic tone.
This consideration comes as Neeson, currently 73 years old (born June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, Northern Ireland), acknowledges his changing suitability for the intense action roles that defined much of his recent career. he referenced his 2008 hit, Taken, noting the physical demands of such roles are less feasible given his age. “The first ‘Taken’ was 18 years ago. I was 54. Now I am 73. I don’t wont to offend the audience with battle scenes where I am notโฆ convincing,” he explained, adding that he remains open to action roles if a suitable script emerges, but nothing is currently in advancement.
While open to comedy, Neeson firmly stated he has no intention of returning to the horror genre. Despite enjoying classic horror films like Dracula and Frankenstein, as well as the “Hammer” horror series produced by Hammer Film Productions (founded in 1934 and based in london), he no longer finds the genre appealing.“As a kid, I loved them – ‘Dracula,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Hammer’โฆ But they are just no longer my taste,” he saeid.
The possibility of a comedic transformation echoes Leslie Nielsen’s successful transition from dramatic roles to the iconic comedic character in The Naked Gun series (released between 1988 and 1994). When asked if he might follow a similar path, Neeson responded, “Maybe. I hope I can still go back to serious cinema. Everything is in question. We’ll see.”
Currently, a sequel to his recent comedic venture is not planned, with filmmakers awaiting further audience feedback.
Neeson also addressed the frequent confusion with the late Leslie Nielsen (who passed away in November 2010), noting the common misidentification. “It’s weird, right? They frequently enough say, ‘Mr.Nielson?’ and I reply, ‘Excuse me, I don’t know who this is,'” he shared.
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“Fantastic Four” Leads Box Office, “Naked Gun” Scores Strong Debut
August Kicks Off with Mixed Studio Results Amidst Shifting Audiences
The first weekend of August is witnessing a steady performance from “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which continues to dominate the box office. Meanwhile, the reboot of “The Naked Gun” has made a surprisingly strong entrance, signaling potential for the revival of big-screen comedies.
“Fantastic Four” Maintains Momentum
Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” garnered an estimated $40 million in its second weekend, bringing its domestic total to $198.4 million. This represents a 66% drop from its opening, a decline comparable to “Captain America: Brave New World.” The film has maintained its premium screen placements, a testament to its continued draw.
“The Naked Gun” Reboots to Solid Opening
Paramount’s revival of “The Naked Gun,” starring **Liam Neeson**, debuted to $16.5 million across 3,344 theaters. This figure makes it the second-highest opening for the franchise, trailing only the inflation-adjusted gross of the 1991 sequel. The comedy earned an A- CinemaScore, mirroring the original 1988 film, and boasts strong audience reception, particularly among the 25-34 demographic.
The film’s success marks a significant opening for **Liam Neeson** as a leading star since 2014’s “Taken 3.” Its performance also surpasses that of the Jennifer Lawrence comedy “No Hard Feelings” from last year. According to Nielsen, the average movie ticket price in the U.S. was $10.54 in Q2 2024, making “The Naked Gun’s” opening particularly noteworthy.
“The Bad Guys 2” Delivers Promising Numbers
DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys 2” animated sequel opened to an estimated $22.8 million from 3,852 locations. This performance slightly outpaces the original “The Bad Guys” debut and aligns with audience expectations, earning an A CinemaScore. The film resonated particularly well with younger audiences and across Southern, Midwestern, and Mountain regions.
“Superman” and “Jurassic World Rebirth” Surpass $300 Million Milestones
DC Studios’ “Superman” has now grossed $316.3 million domestically in its fourth week, pacing slightly behind “The Batman.” Meanwhile, Universal’s “Jurassic World Rebirth” has reached $317.3 million, positioning 2025 as a strong year for blockbuster releases, with four films surpassing the $300 million mark domestically.
“Together” Garners Niche Appeal
Neon’s romantic horror “Together” earned between $6 million and $7 million over the three-day weekend, with a projected five-day total of $10 million to $11 million. The film, which garnered a C+ CinemaScore, is performing on par with similar genre films like “Midsommar,” demonstrating a solid audience draw for its unique premise.
Key Weekend Box Office Results:
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Dis): $40M (Wk 2), $198.4M Total
- The Bad Guys 2 (Uni): $22.8M (Wk 1)
- The Naked Gun (Par): $16.5M (Wk 1)
- Superman (WB): $14M (Wk 4), $316.3M Total
- Jurassic World Rebirth (Uni): $8.4M (Wk 5), $317.3M Total
- Together (NEON): $6M-$7M (Wk 1)
“The Naked Gun” Reboot Lands Third Place on Friday Box Office, Earning $6.3 Million
Paramount‘s reboot of the classic comedy “The Naked Gun” debuted in third place at the domestic box office on Friday, grossing $6.3 million from 3,344 theaters. The film, starring Liam Neeson as detective Frank Drebin Jr., is projected to earn $16.5 million over its opening weekend.This performance is considered solid, particularly given the current scarcity of theatrical comedies.
The Akiva Schaffer-directed film, which boasts a concise 85-minute runtime, follows Drebin Jr. as he investigates a murder to prevent the Police Squad from being disbanded. The cast also features Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, and Kevin Durand. Paramount invested $42 million in the production of this reboot.
The original “Naked Gun,” inspired by the 1982 TV series “Police Squad,” starred the late Leslie nielsen and became a landmark in American comedy cinema following its 1988 release.It was followed by two sequels: “The Naked Gun 2: The Smell of fear” (1991) and “Naked Gun 33: The Final Insult” (1994).
In other box office news, Worldwide and DreamWorks’ animated sequel “The Bad guys 2” secured the second spot, bringing in $9.1 million on Friday from 3,852 locations. The film,featuring the voices of Sam Rockwell,Marc Maron,and Craig Robinson,is expected to gross $22 million for the weekend.The production budget for “The Bad Guys 2” was $80 million.
Neon’s body-horror thriller “Together,” starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Franco, landed in sixth place, earning an estimated $2.1 million from 2,302 theaters on Friday. The film,which centers on a couple subjected to a mysterious body-fusing force,is targeting a five-day total of $7.5 million to $10 million. Neon acquired the film for $17 million after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Simultaneously occurring, James Gunn’s “Superman” continued its strong performance, taking fourth place with $4 million on Friday. The DC Studios film has accumulated $293 million domestically and is anticipated to surpass $300 million by Sunday.
Rounding out the top five was Universal’s “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which earned $2.4 million on Friday. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey, this soft reboot is projected to reach $317 million by Sunday.
Here’s a breakdown of the review, highlighting key aspects:
overall Impression:
Positive and enthusiastic. The reviewer clearly enjoyed the film, calling it “fun” and a “clever reminder of what Hollywood comedy used to be.”
Praises its return to classic comedy. It’s seen as a refreshing departure from modern, frequently enough cruder, comedy.
Key Strengths:
Humor:
Deadpan and nonsensical: Captures the spirit of Leslie nielsen.
Wordplay, puns, wit, and satire: Avoids crude humor.
Modern pop culture and action film satire: Blends meta-commentary with over-the-top jokes.
Brilliant gags: Packs a lot into its short runtime.
Pacing:
Short and efficient (85 minutes): manages to tell a cohesive story and deliver jokes without feeling rushed.
“Joke-a-minute ride”: keeps the audience engaged.
Liam Neeson’s Performance:
Steps into Nielsen’s shoes well: Doesn’t try to replace him but complements the role.
Deadpan humor and delivery are spot on: Impeccable timing and sharp wit. Pays tribute to Nielsen: Acknowledges the legacy. Pamela Anderson‘s Performance:
A highlight of the film: Praised for her gravitas and comic timing.
Appropriate casting: Cast as a bombshell at her age,not a younger version.
“pam’s still got it!”: Acknowledges her enduring appeal.
Nostalgia and Homage:
Reminds of the Mel Brooks/Leslie Nielsen era: A return to classic Hollywood comedy.
Minor Points/Observations:
Toilet Humor Scene: While the reviewer notes it’s the “loudest laughs,” they also state it’s done “tastefully enough that it does not seem jarring.”
Predictability: Acknowledged but not a detractor from the fun.
In Summary:
The review positions “The Naked Gun” as a successful revival of classic, clever comedy, driven by strong performances from Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, and a commitment to witty, nonsensical humor. it’s recommended for its pure entertainment value and its ability to evoke a bygone era of comedic filmmaking.
Here’s a rewritten version of the article, aiming for 100% uniqueness while preserving the core message:
Paramount Bets on Comedy’s Comeback, Led by “The Naked Gun” Reboot
Paramount Pictures is strategically shifting its focus towards comedy, recognizing a perceived decline in the high-upside potential of horror films. The studio believes a significant,untapped opportunity exists in the comedy genre,and they aim to capitalize on it by being an early mover. The upcoming reboot of “The Naked Gun,” starring Liam Neeson and directed by Akiva Schaffer, is seen as a critical test case for this strategy.
Robbins, a key figure at Paramount, views “The Naked Gun” as a crucial barometer for gauging audience appetite for comedy. he acknowledges that the film’s particular brand of humor might be associated with an older demographic, but he remains optimistic about its potential to resonate with a broader audience. “I’m really fascinated to see how ‘The Naked Gun’ plays out,” Robbins stated, “because that’s a style of comedy that I think a lot of people would argue is for an older generation.But I’m also a firm believer that everything comes back around again, and maybe it will connect. It’s really one of the hardest movies to predict.”
Ireland, another executive at the studio, expressed his primary hope for the film: “reintroducing the genre to the audience in a real way.”
This renewed emphasis on comedy is especially significant for Paramount, which has a robust slate of comedic projects planned. In addition to “The Naked Gun,” the studio has a new “Scary Movie” installment and an untitled comedy from the creators of “South Park,” Matt Parker and Trey Stone, both slated for 2026. Paramount has also secured a “MASH”-inspired pitch from comedian Nikki Glaser and a spec script titled “Guys With No Friends,” penned by the “Can’t Hardly Wait” writing team of Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont.Robbins highlighted the inherent difficulty in crafting accomplished comedies, noting, “I don’t think there’s a harder genre to execute.Comedy is very underrated in terms of how arduous it is indeed to make successful and relatable. What is funny to one person could really miss the mark with 100 other people. There’s not a safety net of a basic storytelling template.” He also touched upon the ongoing debate surrounding comedy’s viability, referencing Jerry Seinfeld’s earlier, later retracted, comments about the genre being stifled by political correctness.
Ireland, though, maintains that Paramount’s approach, which blends original storytelling with established intellectual property, is not solely about minimizing risk. Instead, he emphasizes the studio’s commitment to producing the most compelling narratives. “It kind of feels like we’ve reached the outer limits of what you can accomplish with existing titles,” Ireland explained. “I think the audience wants things that feel new. We’ll continue to pursue both. But I think original movies are just as significant in 2025 for everybody as IP.”
Ireland remains confident that by consistently delivering high-quality projects, Paramount can reignite audience enthusiasm for comedy. “The audience is there. They’re willing to go. We just have to continue to give them good reasons,” he concluded. “We have to continue to try to deliver new things in new ways.It feels like in the attention economy, we’re breaking through with things that are more vital.”