Liam Neeson gets candid about leadingTaken’s action franchise while promotingThe Naked Gun.The actor is known for his commanding on-screen presence, starring in films such asSchindler’s List,Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceandBatman Begins. However, Neeson has also shown a more light-hearted side in films likeLove Actuallyalongside various comedy movie cameos.
Recently,Neeson has caused a stir with his latest movie,The Naked Gun, an action comedy serving as a legacy sequel and the fourth film inThe Naked Gunfranchise. In fact, 2025’sThe Naked Gundebuted with a fantastic Rotten Tomatoes score, scoring 90%. However, that hasn’t stopped Neeson from reflecting on his most iconic action movie role.
In aNew York Timesinterview,Neeson looked back on his defining role inTaken, stating, “I was a tiny bit embarrassed. Don’t get me wrong, I did love the script. But I can’t tell you how many voicemails [of the ‘Taken’ speech] I’ve recorded for my sons’ friends.”Takenwas released in 2008 and grossed $226 million worldwide.
The action movie was a massive critical and commercial success, launchingtheTakenfranchiseand redefining Neeson as an action star. Therefore, 17 years on, Neeson’s action comedy role inThe Naked Gunis interesting, especially considering his legacy, andthe actor explains how his action career has an expiry date. Check out the full quote below:
There comes a point where audiences know, and I don’t want to insult an audience by me pretending I’m 50 years of age. I don’t want to do that. I have too much respect for audiences.
What Liam Neeson’s Comment Means
Taken’s Success Was Completely Unexpected
Neeson’s comments about being “embarrassed” byTakenare a little surprising considering just how big the movie was in 2008. However, that is precisely what the actor didn’t want. In the past,Neeson has talked aboutTaken’ssuccess, stating that, “I remember thinking, “It’s going to go straight to video, it doesn’t matter, it’s just such a simple little story.”
While Neeson said, “It’s nice to be proven wrong,” evidentlyTaken’ssuccess has weighed on him. His candid reflection on the role that catapulted him into global stardom and enveloped popular culture was certainly unexpected for him. Therefore, it’s understandable that the action thriller was a bit embarrassing, as he was caught unawares, having signed up for “a simple little story.”
Our Take On Liam Neeson’s The Naked Gun
Neeson’s Move To Comedy Is A Great Idea
Neeson’s candid reflections onTakencome at a time when the actor is making his foray into slapstick comedy, showcasing a willingness to challenge himself creatively. While the actor has enjoyedTaken’ssuccess and subsequent action career, his embarrassment has nudged him away from the genre, allowing him to expand his portfolio with a comedy project likeThe Naked Gun.
Admitting that his action career has an expiry date, a move to comedy is a great idea for Neeson, who has featured in comedy cameos in the past.The Naked Gunproducer Seth MacFarlane weighed in on his casting, stating, “We didn’t want Liam Neeson doing a funny character. We wanted Liam Neeson doing what he does so beautifully.”
“He’s treating everything like this is ‘Taken’ or ‘Schindler’s List,’ with the same severity in his voice, facial expressions and body language. That’s when he is at his funniest.”
While it’s hard to imagine someone as serious as Neeson excelling in comedy, co-star Paul Hauser explains that it is exactly what makes him so great. “He’s treating everything like this is ‘Taken’,” Hauser says, “That’s when he is at his funniest.” ConsideringThe Naked Gun’ssuccess, surprisingly,Taken’sNeeson might be exactly what the future of comedy needs.
