LOS ANGELES — The revival of “The Naked Gun,” featuring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, debuted this weekend, garnering a Friday box office of $6.3 million. Initial estimates suggest the film could reach around $16.5 million by the end of the weekend, placing it third in the rankings behind Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys 2.”

“The Fantastic Four” continued its reign at the box office, drawing an estimated $40 million in its second week, while “The Bad Guys 2,” released this weekend, earned $9.2 million on Friday, leading to a projected opening of approximately $22.8 million. The latest installment of the superhero franchise marked a significant recovery for Marvel, as it opened to impressive numbers following a period of underwhelming performances.

Aside from box office performance, this release symbolizes a changing era for Paramount Pictures, as it is the final film to be released under the current management before David Ellison’s Skydance completes its pending merger with Paramount Global. This significant transition in leadership is set for August, with studio head Brian Robbins stepping down as Ellison takes over.

Neeson steps into the comedic genre for the first time as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., who aims to inherit the legacy of his father, the slapstick character made famous by Leslie Nielsen. This revival, produced by Seth MacFarlane, has already received positive feedback from audiences, boasting an A-CinemaScore and substantial PostTrak scores.

The cast features an array of talent, including Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, and Liza Koshy, alongside Neeson. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, the film opens 31 years after the last entry in the series, “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.”

Critics suggest that the film pays homage to the original icons of the franchise, with both a respectful nod to Nielsen and an updated take that introduces new characters, including a fresh police squad. The film’s structure, which includes both an acknowledgment of past characters and the introduction of new police team members, aims to appeal to both longtime fans and newer audiences.

Meanwhile, “The Fantastic Four” has faced typical sophomore drop-offs, with projections expecting a decline of around 65% this weekend. This trend is not unusual for superhero films, though fans are noting that it contrasts with “Superman,” which maintained a stronger hold in its second week.

The animated feature “Bad Guys 2” stands out as it is expected to score the second-highest animated opening of the year. Its mix of returning voice talent and new additions promises to keep the franchise fresh, continuing the story of a crew of animal burglars attempting to reform themselves.

In other releases, the horror-comedy “Together,” starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is expected to open around $7 million this weekend, indicating a strong showing for diverse genres at the box office.

As the film industry navigates these shifts, the performances of both established and new titles signal a competitive landscape for audiences seeking both nostalgia and fresh storytelling. The weekend’s results will further solidify the direction for the upcoming films in a rapidly changing cinematic environment.