Liam Neeson to Quit Making Action Movies Next Year
Liam Neeson’s been an actor since 1976, he’s done all kinds of films from sci-fi (the Star Wars series) to serious drama (Schindler’s List ). And he’s had a cool. career in action movies as well, particularly the Taken films. However, all good things come to an end and for us, seeing Neeson beat bad guys with his “very particular set of skills,” that’s going to be next year.
Why He’s Calling It Quits
Neeson is quitting making action films because of his age and the physical demands that come with playing these roles. As published in Deadline, Neeson said, “I’m 72 — it has to stop at some stage.” He added, “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me,” referring to Mark Vanselow, his longtime collaborator.
Although he still looks good for his age and can give young action stars a run for their money, the demanding nature of fight choreography, stunts, and long hours can take a toll on anyone, especially someone in his 70s. Besides, with a filmography like his, it’s not like he still has to prove something.
Will Hotel Tehran Be His Final Action Film?
Neeson is currently filming Hotel Tehran, an action-thriller film by director Guy Moshe, which could very well be his swan song in the genre. While details about the movie remain under wraps, Moshe provided an official statement about Neeson’s character, as published in Collider: “I’m thrilled to welcome Liam Neeson to ‘Hotel Tehran.’ He is a true thespian and an icon in our industry. The character he plays, Larry, is complex, irreverent, and inspired by real people. I know his fans around the world will relish seeing him inhabit this distinct role and I can’t wait to be there to capture it.”
If Hotel Tehran is indeed going to be Liam Neeson’s last action movie, we can expect him to go out with a bang.
A New Chapter for Liam Neeson
Since he’s bidding goodbye to doing action films, what’s next for him?
Pamela Anderson, his co-star in the upcoming film The Naked Gun had all praises for Neeson’s comedic timing. According to the LA Times, Anderson believes he can be a comedian and shared, “It was hard to keep a straight face in scenes together.”
We might be saying goodbye to Liam Neeson, the action star but we might soon be ushering in the era of Liam Neeson, the comedian.