Following the successful debut of the 2025 film The Naked Gun, Liam Neeson addressed whether a sequel will come to fruition. Known for his roles in Love Actually, Schindler’s List, and Star Wars, Neeson took on the role of Frank Drebin Jr. in the latest Naked Gun installment after the passing of Leslie Nielsen, who originally portrayed Drebin and his father in the franchise’s first three films and the Police Squad! TV series.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight to promote his film Cold Storage, Neeson shared that he has not yet been approached about returning for another installment. Despite this, he expressed willingness to participate if the script meets expectations and if fellow actors Pamela Anderson and Danny Huston are available to reprise their roles.
“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.”
Liam Neeson, Actor
History and Impact of The Naked Gun Franchise
The origins of the Naked Gun franchise trace back to the 1982 television show Police Squad!, which featured Leslie Nielsen as detective Frank Drebin. Despite being canceled after six episodes on ABC, the character achieved lasting popularity through three films released from 1988 to 1994: The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear, and Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult. These movies earned between $51 million and $86 million each in domestic box office revenue.
The films are known for their comedic portrayal of Drebin, a detective whose clumsy methods somehow lead to solving crimes. After Nielsen’s passing in 2010, Paramount revived the franchise with Neeson assuming the lead role, bringing new life to the series over three decades after the original movies.
The 2025 release directed by Akiva Schaffer garnered $52 million domestically and $101 million worldwide, and currently holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling positive reception from critics and audiences alike.
Uncertainty Surrounding Franchise’s Future
Since the summer 2025 release of The Naked Gun, there has been ongoing speculation about a follow-up film. Producer Seth MacFarlane indicated last year that conversations have taken place with the cast and filmmakers about continuing the story. However, both director Akiva Schaffer and Liam Neeson have tempered expectations, citing challenges such as changes in Paramount’s ownership as factors influencing the franchise’s trajectory.
While Neeson remains open to reprising his role under the right circumstances, he has also previously described the 2025 film as a one-time project. Paramount executives have maintained a low profile on the sequel prospects, leaving the future of the franchise unclear.
For now, fans can revisit The Naked Gun through streaming platforms like Paramount+ and Prime Video, keeping interest alive while awaiting any official sequel announcements.
Key Cast Members of The Naked Gun (2025)
Liam Neeson stars as Frank Drebin Jr., the central detective figure who inherits the mantle from Leslie Nielsen’s iconic character. Pamela Anderson appears as Beth Davenport, reprising her role from the latest film. Danny Huston also participated, though his character’s name was not specified in this content.
