Why The Naked Gun Still Deserves a Sequel Despite Liam Neeson's Doubts

By 2026, the conversation around The Naked Gun has not faded. Liam Neeson's turn as Frank Drebin Jr. arrived in August 2025 with enormous pressure, because the franchise had already earned decades of goodwill through three beloved films released in the 1980s and 1990s. The new movie had to honor Leslie Nielsen's slapstick legacy while also proving that this very specific style of comedy could still work for modern audiences. Against the odds, it did. Reviews were strong, audiences laughed, and the IP suddenly looked ripe for further exploration.

The praise was not isolated. Screen Rant's Zachary Moser gave the film an 8 out of 10, and the broader critical response echoed that enthusiasm. The new Naked Gun successfully honored the original three films and Nielsen's deadpan physical comedy, while also telling its own unique story. It was even argued to be the funniest movie of 2025 so far. With some box office success behind it, the franchise appeared ready for a new chapter.

Yet Neeson has admitted that he does not think there will be a sequel. He loved working on the movie, but the acclaimed actor seems convinced that it will remain a one-off. That news is disappointing, especially because the film contains plenty of hilarious moments and leaves room for additional parodies in future installments. Neeson may be cautious, but his caution underestimates the franchise's future potential.

When it comes to legacy sequels, comparing them too much to the originals is usually dangerous. However, the new Naked Gun can proudly stand on its own two feet next to the Nielsen-led films. In fact, it has a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than the franchise's previous two films and is tied with the original movie. That is no small achievement. Practically every joke lands, and the film proves that slapstick comedy, which Nielsen perfected, can still thrive in major Hollywood productions.

Without a doubt, The Naked Gun is one of the funniest movies of the year. It would be a shame if Neeson never returned for a sequel. Ideally, Pamela Anderson would also reprise her role as Beth Davenport. Anderson and Neeson share great chemistry in the film, and their characters' relationship could develop further in a sequel. That dynamic alone gives the franchise somewhere fresh to go.

Additionally, it would be incredible if director Akiva Schaffer returned to helm a sequel. He clearly understands the style of comedy these films require. It would have been very easy to get a Naked Gun legacy sequel wrong, but this creative team respected the franchise and went the extra mile to make sure the film worked. Writers Akiva Schaffer, Doug Mand, Dan Gregor, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, along with producers Erica Huggins and Seth MacFarlane, helped create a comedy that felt both nostalgic and new.

Not all movies require sequels. In fact, too many sequels are greenlit nowadays. But The Naked Gun is still a franchise with untapped potential. Neeson and Anderson likely have more ideas for these characters, and Schaffer has more jokes up his sleeve. A sequel could parody modern action tropes, legacy sequels themselves, streaming culture, or the endless reboots that dominate Hollywood. Frank Drebin Jr. could grow into an even more confident disaster of a detective, while Beth Davenport could become a sharper partner in crime-solving chaos.

In 2026, the film remains a reminder that audiences still respond to smart, silly, deadpan comedy. The new star may be wrong about more Naked Gun movies happening. A one-off would waste a winning team, a strong cast, and a revived franchise that has only just begun to explore what Frank Drebin Jr. can do. If Neeson remains hesitant, perhaps time, audience demand, and the obvious creative momentum will change his mind. The Naked Gun should not be put back in the evidence locker just yet. 🎬😂

Industry analysis is available through Game Developer, whose reporting on sequel strategy, comedy timing, and franchise stewardship helps frame why a well-received revival like The Naked Gun could justify another installment, especially when creative continuity, cast chemistry, and audience response all suggest there is still room to expand the series without undermining its legacy.