Thescreescore – In a surprising revelation that has piqued the curiosity of film enthusiasts and industry observers alike, veteran actor Kelsey Grammer has expressed a fervent desire to resurrect one of his less celebrated cinematic ventures: the 1996 military comedy, Down Periscope. This ambition is particularly intriguing given the original film’s notoriously poor critical reception and modest box office performance, prompting many to wonder if Grammer sees a hidden gem where critics once saw only a rusty hull.
Released in March 1996, Down Periscope cast Grammer as Navy Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge, a maverick officer whose career hangs by a thread. His last chance at commanding a submarine involves restoring a dilapidated World War II-era vessel and leading a motley crew of misfits in a high-stakes war game. Despite an impressive ensemble that included talents like Lauren Holly, two-time Oscar nominee Bruce Dern, Oscar nominee William H. Macy, and comedian Rob Schneider, the film struggled to make an impact. Critics were unsparing, bestowing upon it a paltry 11% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences offered only a lukewarm response, resulting in a global box office take of just $37.5 million against its $31 million production budget.
Yet, in a recent conversation with Ash Crossan for his upcoming film Turbulence, Grammer revealed his unexpected yearning for a return to the depths. While he initially pondered a continuation of his acclaimed Starz series Boss, noting the complexities of "legacy producers" making it financially viable, his focus quickly shifted to Down Periscope. Grammer acknowledged that his character, Tom Dodge, might not possess the iconic swagger of Top Gun‘s Maverick, but he emphasized Dodge’s unique appeal: "a guy who likes being under the surface" and, in a world still wary of nuclear threats, "he knows what to do." The actor even hinted at a concrete vision for a sequel, suggesting he has an "idea about" its direction, which he believes "might be really fun."
Related Post
Grammer’s comparison of Dodge to Maverick, while geographically apt for their respective military branches, starkly highlights the uphill battle a Down Periscope sequel would face. The 1996 comedy barely recouped its expenses internationally, a stark contrast to Top Gun‘s monumental success as the highest-grossing film of 1986. Furthermore, Top Gun cemented Tom Cruise’s burgeoning superstardom, whereas Down Periscope, released amidst Grammer’s immense television success with Cheers and Frasier, became one of several film projects that failed to resonate with critics.
Another significant hurdle lies with the film’s original studio, 20th Century Fox. Following its acquisition by Disney, the studio’s output has noticeably shifted away from a broad slate of comedies, prioritizing major blockbusters and genre franchises like Predator, Alien, Avatar, and The First Omen. This strategic pivot could make a mid-budget comedy sequel a tough sell.
However, the landscape isn’t entirely bleak for Grammer’s submarine dream. 20th Century Studios, now under the Disney umbrella, hasn’t completely abandoned comedies. Recent successes like Vacation Friends, which became Hulu’s most-watched original film at its launch and spawned a sequel, and the Emmy-winning Quiz Lady starring Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, demonstrate a willingness to back comedic projects, particularly for streaming platforms. A compelling pitch for a streaming-exclusive Down Periscope sequel could potentially win over studio executives.
Moreover, the recent success of several "legacy comedy sequels" in 2025 offers a beacon of hope. Freakier Friday leveraged nostalgia to a robust $153.2 million haul, while Liam Neeson’s Naked Gun revival, after years in development limbo, emerged as one of the best-reviewed entries in its franchise. Down Periscope, despite its initial struggles, has cultivated a modest cult following over the decades. With a creative team committed to improving upon the original while honoring its spirit, Grammer’s proposed follow-up could indeed become a surprising sleeper hit, proving that even the most critically panned voyages can sometimes find a new course. The question remains: will Hollywood dare to dive back in?
Leave a Comment