Liam Neeson, renowned for his role in the movie “Taken,” has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming an emblematic figure in action cinema. His portrayal of a relentless and determined character has solidified his reputation, but Neeson himself was once uncertain about stepping into the violent, revenge-driven genre. As he recalls, there was a moment of embarrassment over the on-screen deaths his character caused.
For many viewers, Liam Neeson is the quintessential action hero, with decades of films streaming across platforms. Titles featuring him consistently climb into Top 10 charts, especially when they become available on free streaming services like Tubi. Yet, this influential path might have been different if Neeson had second-guessed his decision to star in the film that propelled him to this status—“Taken.”
In addition to his action hero roles, Neeson has portrayed a wide spectrum of characters, both morally upright and villainous. However, he often finds himself in the spotlight for roles where his character’s lethal skills are showcased. During a 2022 interview with ScreenRant, Neeson shared a revealing story about his initial discomfort with his violent role. He recalled, “I had a driver when I was doing ‘Taken,’ the first ‘Taken’ movie 15 years ago. We were shooting in LA for the first week, and at the end of the first week, my driver, as he dropped me off at the hotel, said, ‘I’ve started to read the script of “Taken,” and I’ve got to page 40. It says you’ve taken the lives of 26 people.’ I didn’t know how to answer that. I felt quite embarrassed. They said in such a way as if, ‘Are you sure you’ve read this script? Because you do nasty things to people.’”
This awkward moment didn’t stall Neeson’s momentum, and he hasn’t looked back since that film became a massive success. The “Taken” trilogy amassed nearly $1 billion in box office sales worldwide, and Neeson has continued to thrill audiences with many more action-packed roles. Despite his emblematic status, Neeson is conscious that his time as an action hero might be nearing its end. At 72, he’s hinted at possibly retiring from these demanding roles. Last year, he voiced this consideration, stating, “It has to stop at some stage. You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark [Vanselow] to be fighting my fight scenes for me. Maybe the end of next year. I think that’s it.”
While his future in action cinema remains in question, Neeson has no intention of slowing down just yet. This year sees him in several upcoming films, and he will soon explore a new facet of acting by starring in a comedic action role as the lead in the new “Naked Gun” movie. As the son of Leslie Neilsen’s Frank Drebin, Neeson anticipates this less intense role, with the film set to release on August 1, 2025. Fans eagerly await a glimpse of the forthcoming trailer.
Liam Neeson’s journey into the realm of action movies started with uncertainty but evolved into a prolific career that mesmerized millions. As he contemplates the next phase of his career, his legacy as an action hero remains profound, inspiring both audiences and aspiring actors around the globe.
