Since his first performance in 1973, Liam Neeson has remained a fixture in Hollywood. His star quality surged with his leading role as Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List (1993), and he hasn’t looked back since. Neeson has gracefully traversed various genres, excelling in action, drama, and even comedy.
His contributions have spanned beloved franchises, including Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Batman Begins (2005), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), and the gripping Taken (2008). More recently, he lent his voice to characters in The Lego Movie (2014) and appeared in Men in Black: International (2019).
Neeson’s impressive performances have yielded numerous accolades. He racked up an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor with Schindler’s List, along with two Tony Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations. His films have collectively amassed over $4 billion at the box office, with his upcoming projects set to add to that impressive total.
A Short Runtime for Neeson’s Latest Film
The Naked Gun Continues the Legacy
Neeson’s next theatrical appearance will be in the upcoming The Naked Gun (2025), scheduled for release on August 1. This action-comedy picks up the mantle of the franchise, known for its satirical takes on legal and police procedurals. It marks a new chapter as Neeson steps into the role of Frank Drebin Jr., taking over from the late Leslie Nielsen.
Directed by Akiva Schaffer, known for Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Neeson’s casting as the new lead promises a fresh spin on familiar comedic antics. The franchise may be welcoming a new face, but it sticks to the original spirit of hilarity and absurdity.
It’s worth noting that The Naked Gun will run for just 85 minutes, aligning with the runtime of its predecessors. The first two films in the series, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) and The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991), also clocked in at 85 minutes, while the third installment was slightly shorter at 82 minutes.
A Tactical Runtime Choice
A Perfect Fit for Comedy
For a comedy as absurd as The Naked Gun, brevity is crucial. At under 1 hour and 30 minutes, this film should maintain audience engagement without overstaying its welcome. Its runtime allows for a quick setup of its premise, mimicking the rhythm of an extended TV episode. This could ultimately lead to higher box office numbers as theaters will be able to schedule more showings.
The film will now strategically avoid competing with Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, given its new August 1 release date, enhancing its potential for financial success. With Neeson’s proven track record, the combination of his talent and the film’s compact run time could make for a winning formula.
For those eagerly awaiting Neeson’s take on this iconic franchise, The Naked Gun is shaping up to be a must-see.