The Naked Gun Opens to $17 Million at Box Office

The Naked Gun reboot opened with a decent box office but still highlights challenges for comedies.

The Naked Gun's Box Office Opening Shows Comedy Faces Uphill Battle

The reboot of The Naked Gun, released by Paramount Pictures, earned $17 million domestically in its opening weekend, ranking third in a competitive box office. Despite this solid start, it falls short of being labeled a full success as it trails behind other releases like Marvel's The Fantastic First: First Steps. The film also gathered $11.5 million from international markets, bringing its total to $28.5 million against a production budget estimated at $40 million. The backdrop of the pandemic has made theatrical performancesc unpredictable, especially for straight comedies. While the genre has struggled, romantic comedies have recently shown promise, contrasting with films like Strays and Joy Ride that failed to resonate with audiences.

The mixed reception of The Naked Gun reboot reflects a broader trend in the film industry where traditional comedy struggles. This situation raises questions about audience preferences and the changing landscape of theatrical releases. The nostalgia factor may attract viewers initially, but sustaining interest in a genre that has seen numerous misses is a different challenge altogether. This reboot competes not only with other films but also with the growing success of streaming platforms that provide alternatives for comedy lovers. If The Naked Gun can find its footing, it might reignite interest in theatrical comedies, but the path seems fraught with difficulties.

Highlights

The success of this reboot may determine the future of theatrical comedies.