Liam Neeson Wants to Retire From Action Movies But Not Now

Liam Neeson still has all the vigor to do justice to an action packed role like the one in Taken. But for how long? Inching closer to 70, the actor seems almost ready to retire from action films even though he has at least 4 of them lined up this year.

Neeson had surprised his fans when he signed Taken in 2008. After nearly 40 years in the industry and a number of critically acclaimed roles, he seemed to be hitting a mid-life crisis. He was to become a middle-aged action hero in Taken as a former government operative who must rescue his daughter after she’s kidnapped in Paris.

Neeson has starred in numerous stunt-heavy films, as he approaches his ‘70s ever since and the actor has been pretty indecisive about putting down the gun. Over the last year or so, he has expressed the desire to want to retire from action films several times.

But more recently during Today’s Sunday Sitdown, the actor spoke to host Willie Geist about his retirement plans to clarify on the comment further. It seems he will be done with actions films not right away, but eventually.

Liam Neeson On Being Unlikely Action Star At 70:

It may be noted that this time last year he claimed to be quitting the action genre soon enough. Yet here we are with his latest project in Neeson’s long list of action films is Blacklight.  Clarifying this statement, he said:

[Quote:] “I turn 70 this year, so I’m still getting away with it. I think the action movies will draw to a close — they have to. Audiences aren’t stupid, you know. They’re gonna go, ‘Oh, fuck this guy, Liam Neeson. He’s got to be 71, 72, 73…’ I’ll stop at some stage.”

In Blacklight, Neeson plays an FBI operative named Travis Block, who uncovers a conspiracy theory within the government.

Although critics have expressed their dislike of Blacklight’s not-so-engaging plot, Neeson already has more action thrillers like Memory, Retribution, and Marlowe lined up next to make up for it.

Even if Neeson does get too old for action and adventure someday, as the actor takes pride in doing many of his own stunts – fans can expect him to play a range of different characters in the future.

About Blacklight

Blacklight is a 2022 American action film directed and co-written by Mark Williams. The film stars Liam Neeson alongside Emmy Raver-Lampman, Taylor John Smith, and Aidan Quinn also star.

The story follows Travis Block, a shadowy government agent who specializes in removing operatives whose covers have been exposed, as he uncovers a deadly conspiracy within his own ranks that reaches the highest echelons of power.