Rebooting the Naked Gun Franchise

**Paramount Pictures** is one of the oldest and most influential film studios in Hollywood, founded in 1912 by Adolph Zukor, who began by releasing the first full-length drama in the U.S. and establishing the Famous Players Film Company. In 1916, a merger with Jesse L. Lasky's company and the Paramount distribution firm created the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, which evolved into Paramount Pictures, adopting its iconic mountain-and-stars logo inspired by the founder W. W. Hodkinson's childhood memories and symbolizing the studio’s star power[1][3]. Throughout its history, Paramount has been a pioneer in film production and distribution, shaping American cinema with landmark films like *The Squaw Man* (the first Hollywood feature), and classics from the 1930s and 1940s, considered its golden era. The studio was notable for its sophisticated productions during the pre-Code Hollywood era, pushing boundaries with directors like Cecil B. DeMille and Josef Von Sternberg, which helped define early cinematic artistry[3][4]. Paramount’s influence expanded significantly in the mid-20th century, producing iconic films such as *Psycho* (1960), *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* (1961), *The Godfather* (1972), and the *Indiana Jones* series (1981). These works cemented its reputation for combining artistic innovation with commercial success. In 1966, Gulf + Western Industries acquired Paramount, steering it into a conglomerate era focused on media and communications, ultimately rebranding as Paramount Communications in 1989[6]. Today, Paramount Pictures operates as a major film and television production company under Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), sustaining its legacy by producing modern blockbuster franchises alongside classic film preservation. It remains a prominent hub in Hollywood, blending historic prestige with contemporary business and technological advancements in entertainment[6][7]. This enduring studio exemplifies the evolution of the film industry

Paramount Global is a major media and entertainment conglomerate delivering premium content worldwide through its studios, networks, streaming services, and consumer products. It connects billions of people via diverse platforms, creating content across all genres and formats while maintaining a leading presence in key U.S. audiences and international markets[1][2]. Founded on a rich legacy in filmed entertainment, Paramount Global’s core includes the Paramount Motion Picture Group, encompassing Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, and Paramount Players, along with Republic Pictures and a significant stake in Miramax. Its Nickelodeon Studios unit produces live-action and animated content, including Avatar Studios and AwesomenessTV. The company also owns extensive physical studio facilities and archives for content preservation and restoration[2]. A pioneer in streaming, Paramount Global operates several global over-the-top (OTT) services, such as Paramount+, Pluto TV, SkyShowtime (a joint venture with Comcast), CBS News 24/7, CBS Sports HQ, and BET+, reflecting a differentiated strategy spanning free, broad pay, and premium tiers. This positions the company as a leader in digital entertainment and advertising[1][2]. Paramount Global has been recognized as one of Los Angeles’s Best Places to Work in 2025, highlighting a corporate culture that values inclusivity, collaboration, agility, and innovation. The company emphasizes ethical business conduct and supplier compliance, underscoring its commitment to responsible growth and sustainability[1][3]. Despite recent financial growth, with Q2 2025 revenues reaching $6.85 billion, Paramount faces industry challenges such as workforce reductions, as reported in October 2025, reflecting ongoing shifts in the media landscape[4]. Overall, Paramount Global stands out as a versatile, content-driven powerhouse, adapting to technological changes while maintaining a strong legacy in film, television, and streaming entertainment.