S Poddar
Liam Neeson, the iconic actor known for his commanding presence in action films, is considering stepping back from the genre. As he approaches 2025, he’s reflecting on a remarkable career that has seen a resurgence since the late 2000s, primarily due to his roles in films like Taken and Non-Stop.
Speaking candidly to PEOPLE magazine, Neeson referenced his views on aging and whether or not he should move beyond action movies. He said, “I’m 72-it has to stop at some stage. You can’t fool audiences.” Plain speaking is proof of maturity, much admitting well that while his career is in good stead, the demand for action films is starting to take its toll.
Neeson has always been very hands-on with roles, performing most of his stunts in movies. His long-time stunt coordinator Mark Vanselow has supported him in this respect. Talking about their association, Neeson said, “I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me. Maybe the end of next year.”. I think that’s it. That says it all, indicating to me that he wants authenticity, even at retirement from the genre. For one, this isn’t the first time that Neeson has suggested that he might be done with action films. As recently as 2022, he said that although offers keep coming for action roles, he “realized ‘you’ve got to stop at some stage’ because you’d know audiences aren’t stupid.” Clearly, this self-awareness points out that Neeson recognizes his own acting integrity and the expectations from the crowd.
Since his first major appearance in Taken in 2008, Neeson has appeared in an incredible slate of action movies-including two sequels to Taken.
His résumé credits include the titles The Grey (2012), Non-Stop (2014), Run All Night (2015), The Commuter (2018), and The Ice Road (2021). He stars in his next action film, Absolution, which will be shown in theaters this November. This will be one of the last opportunities for fans to catch him in a previously familiar character type before retiring. Apart from being known for his long-standing legacy of great action films, Neeson is also to star in another type of role as he puts on the shoes of the Naked Gun franchise. Scheduled for August 2025 release, it is yet another new movie lined up where Neeson is scheduled to enact the humorous policeman Frank Drebin Jr. The femme fatale is Pamela Anderson.
It will be quite a change as Neeson is expected to shatter the serious action movie roles which majorly formed most of his recent stint. As he closes the book on his movie action figure, Neeson leaves behind a great body of work that has stirred the genre and entertained millions. His thoughts on aging and the imperative to change echo in the minds of many of us, reminding everyone that even the most dedicated actors must eventually reappraise their lives and make choices that reflect the incessant changes in their lives. Now is an excellent moment for fans to look back on the fine filmography Neeson has left behind. He has done something very unique in Hollywood history, combining the worlds of action with drama, much like few others have managed. Whether he is retiring from action films completely in 2025 or not, movies that would have featured him will have made a lasting impact on this genre. With the hope of leaving behind the action films, it seems like Neeson is getting ready for something new in his career possibly something different from what he has been doing.
As he continues to pursue his creative interests, the audiences await what he will do next in the land of comedy, as with Naked Gun and other genres as well.
Whatever corner he turns in, there is no doubt that Liam Neeson will be a movie legend long after his series of action movies are just a memory.
