What is the runtime of Liam Neeson starrer The Naked Gun? Details explored

The action comedy film The Naked Gun is set to be released in theaters on August 1, 2025, in the United States, returning after 21 years with its beloved absurdity of the original franchise. The legacy sequel is directed by Akiva Schaffer and written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, acting as the fourth installment following Naked Gun 33 1⁄3: The Final Insult (1994).

With Liam Neeson stepping into the shoes of the iconic Frank Drebin, originally portrayed by Leslie Nielsen, The Naked Gun continues the misadventures of America’s most clueless investigator. The action comedy film has a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes i.e., 85 minutes, and is expected to have a successful run at the box office, with Paramount Pictures acquiring its distribution rights for the North American region.

The article further breaks down the runtime for the upcoming legacy and briefly discusses its plot and cast for interested readers.

Runtime of The Naked Gun: A Tight and Classic Comedy Length

A hard cop in a soft city. #NakedGun - only in theatres August 1. pic.twitter.com/mYA4HxgVHQ

— Naked Gun Movie (@NakedGunMovie) July 11, 2025

According to IMDb, the runtime of The Naked Gun is set at 1 hour and 25 minutes, i.e., 85 minutes, staying true to the franchise’s history of a short and punchy runtime. This compact length allows the film to maintain a brisk pace packed with gags, wordplay, and physical comedy.

For comparison, here are the runtime for past films in the franchise:

• The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad! (1988) ran 85 minutes
   
• The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) ran 85 minutes
   
• Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994) ran 82 minutes
   

At 85 minutes, the legacy sequel is well below the 100-minute barrier that is common for movies belonging to this particular genre. This could be a strong indication that the filmmakers are sticking to the series' formula for success, which consists of nonstop humor, quick-paced scenes, and little downtime.

At a time when movies frequently go over two hours, The Naked Gun is notable for maintaining a concise structure. This duration helps the movie achieve its goal of providing focused comedy chaos, which is just what fans anticipate from the franchise.

Plot and Cast: Legacy Meets New Faces in The Naked Gun

Drebin's back! And also his front. #NakedGun pic.twitter.com/btGy7uOQi3

— Naked Gun Movie (@NakedGunMovie) July 7, 2025

The cast for the upcoming action comedy film The Naked Gun is led by Liam Neeson, who stars as Frank Drebin, the bumbling yet somehow effective investigator. The character was previously portrayed by Leslie Nielsen, who is hugely responsible for the success of the franchise. Although the movie's narrative has been kept secret, the official website has released a brief synopsis that suggests the film follows Drebin as he works through a complex criminal conspiracy while causing more issues than he fixes.

Paul Walter Hauser plays Captain Ed, Drebin’s commanding officer. The character was originally portrayed by Alan North in the Police Squad! TV series and by George Kennedy in the film trilogy. Pamela Anderson takes on the role of Drebin's love interest Jane Spencer, taking over the role from Priscilla Presley from the original films. Her casting adds a glamorous yet comedic edge to the ensemble cast, in line with the franchise’s tone. The supporting cast also includes Danny Huston, Kevin Durand and Liza Koshy.

With a 94-minute runtime, a strong ensemble cast, and a story that honors the past while embracing modern absurdity, The Naked Gun looks set to continue the legacy of one of cinema’s most iconic parody franchises. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering the series, this new chapter is one to look forward to.

Stay tuned with us for further updates.