Liam Neeson, 72, discusses his decision to stop making action films
In his nearly 50-year career, Liam Neeson has played a number of roles, including Jedi Master, kind Nazi party member, endearing widower, and vindictive father in the Taken series, which made the actor a legendary action hero.
Neeson recently stated that he is thinking about retiring because “it has to stop at some stage.” At 72, Neeson is not convinced he can deliver a punch convincingly. To find out more about the news that will undoubtedly break Neeson’s fans’ hearts, continue reading! Irish actor Liam Neeson is well-known for playing a variety of parts in a range of genres, from sombre roles to action-packed films. His role as Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List was his breakthrough in the early 1990s and brought him international acclaim.
The Oscar-nominated actor played a number of roles over the course of the following ten years, ranging from endearing romantic leads to a leading part as a Jedi Master in Star Wars, the world’s largest series.
Then, relying on his “very particular set of skills,” Neeson made a daring and surprising career change that paid off brilliantly by becoming an action star with Taken (2008). Many were surprised by the Love Actually star’s move into the high-octane thriller genre.
Neeson established a new identity as a starring man in action-packed films at the age of 56, demonstrating his adaptability and timeless appeal across generations and genres.
Audiences responded favourably to the star’s portrayal of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent who is determined to save his kidnapped daughter, in the hugely successful film Taken. In an interview with People in October 2024, the father of two says, “It just seemed to have touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences.”
He was an unusual but incredibly powerful action hero because of his tough, no-nonsense portrayal of a strict parent. The movie’s famous phone sequence, in which Mills makes his infamous threat, became a benchmark for contemporary action movies.
Neeson’s status as a late-career action star was cemented by the movie’s popularity, which also led to two lucrative sequels and more action movie roles of a similar nature. Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in the 2019 movie Cold Pursuit and the upcoming movie Thug, adds, “When he’s immersed in the character he is, you see the hurt, you see the pain.” “He turns into that man.”
The Absolution star recently revealed that he intends to retire from action films because of his advanced age, despite his success in the genre and the filmmakers’ undying faith in his punching power.
Neeson, who is still dedicated to doing many of his own stunts and battle scenes, says, “I’m 72, it has to stop at some stage.” His partnership with veteran stunt coordinator and double Mark Vanselow is partly to blame for this. Neeson’s late-career action roles now heavily rely on their collaboration, which started with Taken. In addition to choreographing the physical stunts and intense battle scenes, Vanselow makes sure Neeson can still participate in as much of the action as possible while staying safe.
“You cannot deceive audiences.” Neeson went on, “I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me.”
“Maybe the end of next year,” the Oscar-nominated actor said in closing. That seems to be it. However, it appears that the celebrity is getting ready to change careers once more, this time to become a comedian. He just wrapped up filming The Naked Gun, which is a reimagining of the 1988 crime parody comedy that starred Leslie Nielson.
Neeson and Baywatch beauty Pamela Anderson play police officer Frank Drebin, who was formerly played by Nielson, in the movie, which is scheduled to be released in theatres in 2025. “I’m deeply smitten with her. I have nothing but praise for her. Neeson remarks, “She’s funny,” but he’s not entirely sure of his own comedic abilities. “I genuinely don’t know if I can carry it or not.”
Nonetheless, Anderson claims to People that her co-star is “being humble.” “Maintaining a straight face during scenes was difficult.” What are your thoughts on Liam Neeson’s decision to retire the action genre? In order for us to hear from others, kindly share this tale and then let us know what you think!
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