Liam Neeson has once again secured the top spot on Netflix UK, with his action thriller films maintaining strong popularity on the platform. Despite mixed critical reception, his titles continue to attract viewers, affirming his sustained appeal in the genre.
Return to Revenge-Driven Roles Since 2008’s Taken
Since his breakthrough role in 2008’s Taken, Neeson has become synonymous with action thrillers focused on characters seeking revenge. Although he is preparing to pivot towards comedy with the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun, audiences remain drawn to his previous works on Netflix.
Recent successes include the independent thriller In The Land Of Saints And Sinners, which topped the charts last year, and Cold Pursuit from 2019, which also reached number one in 2023. Most recently, Neeson’s 2020 film Honest Thief has claimed the number one position as of July 8.
Honest Thief’s Plot and Mixed Reception
In Honest Thief, Neeson plays a reformed bank robber aiming to surrender to the FBI, only to face betrayal by corrupt agents. The film features co-stars such as Terminator 2 actor Robert Patrick and Anthony Ramos from Ironheart. Although the movie was not a commercial success and received varied reviews from critics, its popularity among streaming audiences remains unshaken.
Neeson’s Reflections on Aging and Genre Evolution
At 72, Neeson has openly discussed the possibility of retiring from action roles, acknowledging the physical demands and his desire to present authenticity to viewers. He said,
“I’m 72 — it has to stop at some stage. You can’t fool audiences”
and commented on his stunt work, mentioning,
“I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me. Maybe the end of next year. I think that’s it”
, referring to his longtime stunt collaborator Mark Vanselow.
Future Projects and Genre Transition
While Neeson will soon explore slapstick comedy with The Naked Gun reboot, he still has three traditional action thrillers in production: Cold Storage alongside Joe Keery, Hotel Tehran with Zachary Levi, and The Mongoose featuring Marisa Tomei.
Untold Star Wars Casting Trivia
Adding an intriguing footnote to his career, Star Wars concept artist Iain McCaig revealed that Neeson was originally considered for the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Phantom Menace, a casting choice that could have significantly altered the sci-fi franchise’s direction.
Enduring Impact of Liam Neeson’s Netflix Success
Liam Neeson’s Netflix action thrillers continue to resonate with audiences, even as he prepares to branch into comedy and possibly step back from intense action roles. His films’ consistent demand on streaming platforms underscores his lasting influence in the genre and hints at a gradual shift in his career’s focus, balancing legacy with new creative endeavors.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Liam Neeson’s religion?
A. Liam Neeson was born in Ballymena, County Antrim. His father, Bernard “Barney” Neeson, worked as a primary school caretaker, and his mother, Katherine “Kitty” Neeson (née Brown), was a cook. Katherine originally came from Waterford, a town in southeastern Ireland. Raised in a Catholic family, Liam was named after a local priest.
