“96 Hours” star Liam Neeson announced his action retirement in an interview: “I’m 72 – at some point it has to end.”
Liam Neeson (72) became an action star at a ripe old age in 2008 with “96 Hours”. “The film seems to have struck a chord with the cinema audience,” he says, looking back on its success. This was followed by the parts “96 Hours – Taken 2” (2012) and “96 Hours – Taken 3” (2014), in which the Northern Irishman once again played ex-CIA agent Bryan Mills. He has now directed more than a dozen action films, including his latest film, “Absolution,” in which he plays an aging gangster whose criminal past catches up with him. However, Neeson doubts that he will remain loyal to the genre for long.
Is it conquering another genre?
“I’m 72 – at some point it has to end,” says the actor in an interview with “People” about physically demanding action scenes. “You can’t fool the audience. I don’t want Mark to do my fight scenes for me.” According to the magazine, he means Mark Vanselow, who has been doing the big stunts for Neeson for years. He still leaves it open exactly when he will say goodbye to the genre, but it seems to be as early as 2025. “Maybe at the end of next year,” the actor hints at his farewell. However, a complete withdrawal from the film business is apparently not yet in the cards for Neeson. The acting star could soon achieve new success as a comedy star.
In a remake of “The Naked Gun” he plays Frank Drebin, the bumbling police officer originally portrayed by Leslie Nielsen (1926-2010). Pamela Anderson (57) is said to be seen as his lover, in a similar “sexy and silly” role to that played by Priscilla Presley (79) in “The Naked Gun” 1988. “I can’t compliment her enough,” Neeson enthuses about his co-star. “She’s funny.” According to People, filming is expected to be completed and the film is scheduled to be released in July 2025.
Neeson said he tries to take about a two-month break between his individual projects. He prefers to spend his free days sleeping in and reading. He continues to value his job very much: “I’m incredibly lucky. I never forget that. Even on a bad day on the film set, I say to myself: ‘Come on. You can’t complain about anything.’ And that’s true.”
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
