Liam Neeson is mulling retirement (soon) from action films (again): ‘It has to stop’

Liam Neeson is mulling retirement (soon) from action films (again): 'It has to stop'

As a movie enthusiast with decades of film history under my belt, I find Liam Neeson’s career journey incredibly fascinating. His transformation from a breakout role in “Schindler’s List” to a action hero icon in films like “Taken” is nothing short of inspiring. It’s remarkable how he found a niche that truly resonated with audiences, and I can’t help but admire his dedication to the genre.


For over a dozen years, Liam Neeson has been known for his work in action movies, yet he recently hinted that he might be too old for such roles – however, he’s made similar comments in the past.

Approximately fifty years into his film career, the actor from Northern Ireland gained momentum with the 2009 revenge drama “Taken.” In this movie, he played a former government agent who embarked on a mission to save his kidnapped daughter. Since then, he has mainly focused on action films, as he felt that these roles were best received by audiences.

In an interview with People, published on Wednesday, Neeson himself expressed that it appeared to strike a chord, emotionally speaking, in the subconscious of film-goers.

However, at 72, the “Schindler’s List” breakout anticipates his “particular set of skills” may soon be limited.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve come to realize that every good story has its ending, and it’s time for this chapter of my action-packed journey to conclude, at least in the stunt department. Though I relish the thrill of performing my own fight scenes, there comes a point when the more complex stunts are better handled by someone like my longtime partner, Mark Vanselow. I respect his skills and wouldn’t want him to shoulder the burden of fighting battles that aren’t truly mine.

Neeson mentioned that he plans to retire from action roles around the “end of next year.” He believes this will be his final decision.

However, such dialogue is quite common for this Academy Award laureate. He mentioned to Entertainment Tonight back in 2021 that he has a few action movies lined up, and after that, he likely won’t continue with this genre anymore.

In 2015 and again in 2017, he hinted at his departure from the action genre. During the 42nd Toronto International Film Festival, he jokingly remarked, “I believe the era of action movies is coming to an end – they must.” (Later, it was clarified that this comment was meant in jest.)

It appears that Pamela Anderson, who starred alongside Liam Neeson in “The Naked Gun,” believes he might have a comedic comeback in his later years, according to reports. In the upcoming fourth and final installment of the comedy franchise “Police Squad!” due for release in August 2025, Neeson portrays clueless police detective Frank Drebin Jr., with Anderson as his romantic interest.

“It was hard to keep a straight face in scenes together,” the “Love, Pamela” memoirist said.

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2024-10-24 02:31

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