Liam Neeson returning for “Taken” Sequel?

Liam Neeson returning for “Taken” Sequel?

Movie News

By our guest blogger, Joe Oliveto

Liam Neeson reminded all of us that he could kick some serious ass in the 2008 thriller “Taken” from director Luc Besson. While not as entertaining as the “Bourne” films on which its action was clearly modeled, “Taken” was a worthwhile picture both for the audience and the studio, earning enough money to justify a sequel.

Sadly, up until recently, it appeared that Liam Neeson would be unable to return for the second installment. He’s been busy wrapping up several films, and apparently he was looking to take some time off, while Besson wanted to shoot the movie later on this year. Word is that Besson was going to move ahead with the project without Neeson if he decided it was necessary.

Fortunately, Deadline reports that the two may have come to an agreement that will get the film made sooner rather than later with Neeson still in the lead role. This will come as a relief to fans of the original—part of what made it so engaging was Neeson’s energetic and captivating performance. What could have been a forgettable action thriller was given some emotional weight thanks to an impressive performance that balanced the urgent panic of a man looking for his daughter with the calculating skill of a person who has been trained to hunt down the bad guys.

We might not be able to see “Taken” becoming an iconic franchise, but with its lead actor back in place, we’d be more than happy to shell out a few bucks to catch the next installment. Then again, we’d pay to see Liam Neeson in almost anything.

Aside from the next “Clash of the Titans” movie, of course.