Liam Neeson, known for his iconic role in Taken, has announced his retirement from action films at the age of 72. In an interview with People, Neeson shared that he plans to stop filming action movies by 2025, acknowledging that “it has to stop at some stage.” The actor, who gained recognition as an action star in 2008 with Taken at 56, said it’s no longer believable for audiences to see him in intense fight scenes in his 70s. “You can’t fool audiences,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of realism in his roles.
Neeson, who has a reputation for doing his own fight scenes, admitted that he doesn’t want to rely on his stunt double, Mark Vanselow, to do the heavy lifting in action sequences. Despite stepping away from the genre that revived his career, Neeson seems at peace with the decision, acknowledging the reality of aging. He hinted that his career in other genres will continue, as he recently wrapped filming on the Naked Gun reboot.
Reflecting on his journey, Neeson’s action career has been marked by thrilling performances in films like Non-Stop, The Commuter, and The Grey. His late start in the genre didn’t stop him from becoming a household name in action thrillers, solidifying his legacy with memorable quotes and scenes that captivated audiences.
As he shifts away from action roles, Neeson expressed contentment with his career path and the roles he has taken. Fans may not see him taking down bad guys in the future, but his legacy as an action star will undoubtedly live on.
