Liam Neeson, 72, talks about stepping back from action films

Throughout his nearly 50-year journey, Liam Neeson has taken ​on many roles: a ​Jedi Master, a kind-hearted humanitarian, a charming widower,​ and ⁣a fierce father⁤ in ⁤the Taken series. This role turned him ‌into an iconic ⁢action star.

Recently, at 72⁣ years old and unsure if he can convincingly ⁢throw a punch anymore, Neeson ‍mentioned that he’s thinking ⁣about retirement since “it has to stop at some stage.”

Keep reading ‌to discover more about this news that might break the hearts‌ of Neeson’s fans.

Liam Neeson is a well-known ​Irish‍ actor ⁢recognized ‌for his⁤ diverse roles in​ various ⁤genres—from⁤ serious dramas to ⁣thrilling ‌action films. He gained fame in ​the early ’90s with his role as Oskar ⁤Schindler ‍in Schindler’s List, which brought him worldwide attention and several‍ award nominations​.

In the following ten years, this Oscar-nominated actor starred in numerous films ranging from romantic leads⁤ to⁣ playing a Jedi⁢ Master ⁤in Star Wars, ‍one of the largest ⁤franchises ever.

Then came Taken (2008), where leaning ⁣on his‌ “very specific set of skills,” Neeson⁢ became ⁤an action star—a surprising ⁢but successful⁣ shift for his ‍career.

The transition into ​high-energy thrillers caught many off guard. At 56⁣ years old, he found new life as an action⁣ hero—showing off his versatility and lasting appeal‌ across different types of ‍movies.

was hugely popular; audiences‍ connected with his character Bryan Mills—a‌ retired CIA agent on a mission to save‍ his kidnapped daughter.

“It just seemed to ⁢have touched something deep within moviegoers,” says the father of two during an⁢ October 2024 interview with People.

His tough ⁣portrayal of ‌a determined‍ dad made him an unexpected ‌yet powerful action hero. The film’s famous phone scene ‌where Mills delivers that unforgettable threat became ⁢iconic in ⁤modern cinema.

The success not only secured ⁤Neeson’s status as ⁣an older⁤ action⁢ star but also led ⁤to⁢ two sequels and similar‍ roles ⁣afterward.

“When he gets ⁤into character you see all the hurt‍ and pain,” says Hans ⁢Petter Moland who directed him in Cold Pursuit(2019) and will work⁤ with him again on Thug. “He​ becomes that ⁤man.”

Despite thriving in⁣ these films & directors believing⁤ strongly in⁤ Neeson’s‍ ability to fight ‌onscreen, he recently shared plans for retirement from this genre due to ​age concerns.

“I’m ⁣72; ⁤it has gotto stop at some ‌point,” states Neeson while ‌still wanting to do‍ most stunts himself thanks partly‍ due collaboration‍ with long-time stunt⁣ coordinator Mark Vanselow. Their teamwork⁤ began with Taken, becoming essential for Neeson’s later-action roles. Vanselow not only designs intense fight scenes but also makes sure that even though he’s older now; safety‍ is key while performing stunts!

“You can’t trick ‌audiences!⁤ I don’t ‍want Mark doing ​my fight scenes!” added Liam firmly

Neeson then wrapped up by ⁣saying: “Maybe by next year I’ll be done.”

However! It⁤ seems ⁣like he’s gearing up for another⁣ change—this ⁣time aiming⁣ towards comedy!

He just finished filming The Naked Gun, which is based‌ on the classic crime spoof ⁢comedy⁣ from 1988 featuring Leslie Nielson who sadly passed away

In this upcoming film set for ‍releasein‌ theaters by 2025,Neeson​ plays cop Frank Drebin – originally portrayed by ⁣Nielson – alongside ⁤Pamela Anderson ‌from < em >Baywatch< / em > ‍fame!

“I’m crazy about her! I can’t⁣ praise her enough; ​she’s hilarious!” said Liam while admitting uncertainty about how ⁣funny he’ll be himself. “Whether ​I can ‍pull it off ⁣or not? Honestly no idea!”

Anderson told People her co-star is being modest: “It was tough keeping straight faces ‍during our scenes together.”

What are⁣ your‍ thoughts on Liam Neeson’s retirement from action movies? Share‍ your opinions & spread‍ this⁢ story ⁢so we can hear what others think!

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