Liam Neeson turned down James Bond role because late wife Natasha Richardson said she wouldn't marry him if he took it

 THE INDEPENDENT
JESS DENHAM  Author Biography   Friday 07 March 2014

Liam Neeson was “heavily courted” for the role of James Bond, but turned down the martinis and bikinis because of his late wife’s wishes.

The Irish actor, whose latest film Non-Stop is top of the US box office, is renowned for his work in action movies.

But when his wife Natasha Richardson told him she would not marry him if he played 007, Neeson decided against taking up the high-profile part.

“I was heavily courted, let’s put it that way, and I’m sure some other actors were too,” the 61-year-old told the Hull Daily Mail.

“It was about 18 or 19 years ago and my wife-to-be said, 'If you play James Bond we’re not getting married'. And I had to take that on board because I did want to marry her.”

Oscar-nominated Neeson insists that he has never regretted passing on any film roles.

Recently, the actor spoke candidly about his grief after Richardson died five years ago in a skiing accident.

READ MORE HERE; http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/liam-neeson-turned-down-james-bond-role-to-marry-natasha-richardson-9176657.html

Liam Neeson in talks for Taken 3? (INDEPENDENT WOMAN)

Liam Neeson could be showing off his particular set of skills again in Taken 3.

The star of the kidnap thrillers is in talks to make the franchise a trilogy with a third instalment, says Deadline.

He is said to be in the final stages of talks and despite reports he was reluctant to come back for the last sequel, Liam is apparently being courted with a 20 million dollar offer to star again.

No plot details have been released yet, but Liam would be returning to his role as retired CIA agent Bryan Mills, who rescued his kidnapped daughter in the first film and searched for his ex-wife in the second.

According to Deadline, next on the list to sign up for part three will be Maggie Grace who played his daughter and Famke Janssen who played his ex-wife


READ MORE: http://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/liam-neeson-in-talks-for-taken-3-29371391.html

Liam Neeson in Talks for Seth MacFarlane's 'A Million Ways to Die' (Exclusive) (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)

The "Taken" star would join Charlize Theron and Amanda Seyfried in the "Ted" filmmaker's next movie.

3/6/2013 by Borys Kit

Add Liam Neeson to the all-star cast being assembled for Seth MacFarlane's Ted follow-up A Million Ways to Die in the West.

Charlize Theron Nearing Deal to Star in Seth MacFarlane's 'Million Ways to Die' (Exclusive)

Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Neeson is in negotiations to join MacFarlane, Charlize Theron and Amanda Seyfried in the Media Rights Capital-produced comedy Western.

MacFarlane wrote the script with Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild (Ted, Family Guy) and will direct and produce with Scott Stuber and Jason Clark. A May production start is planned.

READ MORE: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/liam-neeson-talks-seth-macfarlanes-426458

Liam Neeson On 'Taken 3:' 'Just Bad Parenting' By Scott Harris | Feb 28, 2013 | 11:11 AM (NEXT MOVIE)

Last fall, Liam Neeson returned to cinemas with "Taken 2" and fans flocked to the theaters to find out one thing: Exactly how on Earth did Neeson's badass agent Bryan Mills manage to let his daughter get kidnapped a second time? Seriously, what happened to those special skills of his?

Well, it looks like Neeson himself was thinking the same thing, because in an interview with a Dublin radio station, he revealed that there won't be a "Taken 3" for the simple reason that it would be really dumb.

That's telling it like it is, Liam!

"I don’t think there’ll be a 'Taken 3.'  She can’t get taken again," Neeson told the folks at 98fm.  "That’s just bad parenting."


READ MORE: http://www.nextmovie.com/blog/liam-neeson-taken-3/

Liam Neeson to present an Oscar on Sunday (JOE)

Ballymena local Liam Neeson will present an Oscar this Sunday at the Academy Awards

By Genna Patterson

Taken star Liam Neeson, 60, will present an award at the prestigious Oscar ceremony on Sunday February 24. Neeson was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for Schindler'st List in 1994, but lost out to Tom Hanks for Forrest Gump.

Neeson has seen his star rise in recent years with lead roles in Unknown, Taken 2 and The Grey amongst supportive roles in Batman Begins, Love Actually, Gangs of New York and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

READ MORE: http://www.joe.ie/entertainment/entertainment-news/liam-neeson-to-present-an-oscar-on-sunday-0034440-1

Liam Neeson to take his seat at pupils' tribute movie Red carpet treatment for Hollywood star as Ballymena salutes local hero (BELFAST TELEGRAPH)

By Chris Kilpatrick
Thursday, 24 January 2013

He's no stranger to film premieres. But Hollywood A-lister Liam Neeson will settle into his seat for a very different movie screening in the coming days.

Pupils from his old school in Ballymena, along with students from a nearby college, have put together a special production documenting Neeson’s life which will be screened at a red carpet ceremony marking his freedom of the Co Antrim town.

The teenagers from St Patrick’s College and Northern Regional College teamed up to produce, direct and star in a film tribute to the Oscar-nominated actor.

The short film documents Neeson’s rise to stardom, from taking part in school plays at St Patrick’s College to becoming one of the best-known actors in the world.

It includes interviews with those who knew him as a child, fellow actors from the Slemish Players drama group and old sparring partners from All Saints Boxing Club where Neeson showed considerable promise as a teenager.



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/liam-neeson-to-take-his-seat-at-pupilsrsquo-tribute-movie-16264980.html#ixzz2IuQvNcF9

LIAM NEESON WILL KILL EVERYONE IN ‘THE ALL NIGHTER’ by Jacob Hall Yesterday (SCREEN CRUSH)

At this point in his career, Liam Neeson is practically the patron saint of killing as many bad guys as it takes to protect your family, so it makes perfect sense that he’s in negotiations to star in ‘The All Nighter.’ Boiled down to its basic elements, the film sounds like another entry in the “older badass kills countless people after they threaten his family” subgenre. Throw in a few tense cell phone conversations and you have classic Neeson.

To be fair, ‘The All Nighter’ differs from the ‘Taken’ films in two immediately distinct ways. First, it will take place over the course of one long night. Secondly, Neeson will not play a mercenary, but a retired hitman, making this the first Neeson action movie to cast him on the wrong side of the law. Here’s a plot synopsis, courtesy of The Wrap:

The story follows an aging hit man who, in order to protect his wife and son, must take on his former boss in a single night. He then winds up on the run from the mob and the authorities with his estranged son.

READ MORE: http://screencrush.com/liam-neeson-the-all-nighter/

Liam Neeson in negotiations for crime thriller "The All Nighter" Liza Foreman Reuters 5:31 p.m. CST, November 16, 2012 (CHICAGO TRIBUNE)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) - Liam Neeson is in negotiations to star in the crime thriller "The All Nighter (AKA Run All Night)" a person familiar with the situation has told TheWrap.

The story follows an aging hit man who, in order to protect his wife and son, must take on his former boss in a single night. He then winds up on the run from the mob and the authorities with his estranged son.

The film is being produced by Vertigo Entertainment's Roy Lee, along with Brooklyn Weaver for Warner Bros. which declined to comment. The studio acquired Brad Ingelsby's spec script "The All Nighter" in January for a reported six figure sum.

Neeson's upcoming films include "Non-Stop" and "A Walk Among The Tombstones." He will also be featured in a voice role in the upcoming film "Lego: The Piece of Resistance."


READ MORE: http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-rt-us-liamneeson-theallnighterbre8af1m8-20121116,0,2726995.story

Liam Neeson has accepted the highest honour that can be bestowed on him by his hometown of Ballymena - the Freedom of the Borough. (UTV)

Ballymena man turned Hollywood star, Liam Neeson. (© Getty)

The 60-year-old actor was born and raised in the Co Antrim town, where he attended St Patrick's school and learned to box at local club All Saints.

Speaking from his New York home, Liam said he was delighted to accept the accolade.

"Enormous strides have been made in my native Northern Ireland in the past decade, demonstrated by political, social and economic changes that came about through a combination of courage, generosity and persistence," he said.

The council unanimously backed the proposal, made on Monday night by SDLP Mayor PJ McAvoy.

"I am absolutely delighted that my colleagues have unanimously agreed to offer what is a very significant honour to Liam Neeson," he said.

He is a worldwide star and the best known Ballymena man in the world.

PJ McAvoy, Mayor of Ballymena

READ MORE: http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/Liam-Neeson-accepts-Ballymena-honour/8548c8bd-2c01-49e7-adb1-9ef0970b64b6

Liam Neeson to receive Freedom of the Borough award (BBC NEWS)

Ballymena actor Liam Neeson is set to receive the freedom of his home town.

The Oscar-nominated actor is best known for his starring roles in the Star Wars film The Phantom Menace, Schindler's List and Michael Collins.

Mayor of Ballymena PJ McAvoy will propose that Neeson is offered the Freedom of the Borough at a council meeting on 5 November.

It is the highest accolade the council can give.

Mr McAvoy's SDLP colleague councillor Declan O'Loan said he expected that it would receive cross-party support.

"It is entirely appropriate that this award is made to Liam Neeson," he said.

"He is a very distinguished son of Ballymena and is identified with the town in a way no other prominent individual is.


READ MORE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20168472

Liam Neeson: Thriller "Taken 2" earns second box office win (REUTERS)

Actor Liam Neeson poses before a news conference to promote his movie, '

'Taken 2'' in Seoul September 17, 2012.

Credit: Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji

By Lisa Richwine
LOS ANGELES | Sun Oct 14, 2012 2:06pm EDT

(Reuters) - Liam Neeson thriller "Taken 2" won a battle between two hostage movies over the weekend, holding on to its top box office rankings for a second week with $22.5 million from ticket sales at U.S. and Canadian theaters.

Ben Affleck's highly praised Iran hostage thriller "Argo" was as close second, earning $20.1 million from Friday through Sunday. Low-budget horror movie "Sinister" came in third with $18.3 million, according to studio estimates compiled by Reuters.

Action sequel "Taken 2" stars Neeson as a former CIA agent who is captured while on vacation in Istanbul. The movie has pulled in $86.8 million at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters since its debut a week ago, plus $132.8 million from international markets.

"We continue to play broadly across all demographics and it is a testament to the strength of Liam's character and the property," said Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox, which released the film.

READ MORE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/14/entertainment-us-boxoffice-idUSBRE89D0BC20121014

Liam Neeson takes his clothes off on 'Ellen' -- VIDEO by Maane Khatchatourian (EW.COM)

http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/10/02/liam-neeson-takes-his-clothes-off-on-ellen-video/

Neeson disrobed down to his tiny hot-pink panties to help DeGeneres raise money for breast cancer research. It gets better. DeGeneres and a very excited audience member successfully hit a target, triggering a barrel full of water to splash down on Neeson, whose Taken 2 hits theaters this weekend. He could easily pass for British Olympic diver Tom Daley’s rugged dad!

http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/10/02/liam-neeson-takes-his-clothes-off-on-ellen-video/

Liam Neeson attends tribute event to Redgrave acting dynasty... and family of late wife Natasha Richardson By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Liam Neeson, 60, attended the American Theater Wing's Annual Gala in New York with the mother and sister of his late wife Natasha Richardson.

Vanessa Redgrave, 75, and 47-year-old daughter Joely Richardson stepped out for the event at the Plaza Hotel on Monday night, which paid tribute to the six generation acting dynasty and their contribution to theatre.


The Taken actor, Natasha, Vanessa and Joely were among the family members honoured, with the long list also including Corin, Michael, Lynn Redgrave and Rachel Kempson.

Joey Richardson looked stunning in a silver dress for the event, while Vanessa opted for an all-in-black outfit.

Executive director of the organisation Heather Hitchens said before the event: 'I don't know of another family with six generations of actors in it.'

Tragic: Liam Neeson's late wife Natasha Richardson died in 2009 after a freak skiing accident in Canada



Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2208276/Liam-Neeson-attends-Redgrave-tribute-family-late-wife-Natasha-Richardson.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Liam Neeson hits the red carpet in Seoul for premiere of 'Taken 2' TAKEN 2SEPTEMBER 17, 2012BY: KAY SHACKLETON (THE EXAMINER)

Monday September 17, “Taken 2” had its premiere at the Yongsan CGV in Seoul, South Korea. The film was directed by Olivier Megaton and stars Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpP38JZSLOg
Liam Neeson at Moscow Premiere "Taken 2"


“Taken 2” is set in Istanbul. Retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter in the previous film "Taken."

"Taken 2" debuted at the Deauville American Film Festival in the South of France on September 7. It is scheduled to reach theaters in the U.S. in a wide release on Friday, October 5. The film will battle for box office dollars that weekend with the animated film “Frankenweenie,” the horror flick “Sinister,” and comedy starring Anna Kendrick “Pitch Perfect.”


READ MORE: http://www.examiner.com/article/liam-neeson-hits-the-red-carpet-seoul-for-premiere-of-taken-2

Liam Neeson Drinks Your Milkshake In Pics From 'Taken 2' Plus A New Poster & Featurette NEWS BY KEVIN JAGERNAUTH AUGUST 31, 2012 12:24 PM (THE PLAYLIST)

In case you missed the plethora of "Taken 2" pics from a couple of days ago, a whole new batch of images have dropped. And these are notable mostly because they now contain what is probably our favorite movie still of the year so far: Liam Neeson enjoying the simple pleasure of a milkshake in a delightfully retro diner. This must be before he leaves for Instanbul, right? Either way, it feels lifted out of a completely different movie, perhaps one where Neeson plays a retired schoolteacher who solves mysteries in a small town. Man, we'd pay to see that movie.




READ MORE: http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/liam-neeson-drinks-your-milkshake-in-pics-from-taken-2-plus-a-new-poster-featurette-20120831

The Awesomeness of Liam Neeson by Chris Starr on August 30, 2012 (HECKLER SPRAY)

Remember Taken, the movie about the kidnapping of Liam Neeson’s daughter and him struggling to get her back? That was a good movie. Evidently, other people agreed, because somehow they’ve decided to produce a sequel. Taken 2 (or, as I like to call it, ‘Taken Again – Oh Shit How Could I Allow This To Happen Twice To My Family?!?!?!’) will be out shortly in cinemas.

Now, I liked Taken, and in all honesty the Taken 2 trailer looks pretty sweet. So this isn’t going to be one of those posts which sarcastically slags off a Hollywood star. In fact, it’s a celebration of the awesomeness of Liam Neeson. Because he’s one of those actors who you’ve seen in about a million things but don’t realise.

It’s only once you look back that you realise he has been the coolest character in every badass film there is out there. And it’s all under your nose! Without you realising, Liam Neeson has become the main man that you want to be in movies.

READ MORE OF THIS BLOG ADORATION OF LIAM: http://www.hecklerspray.com/awesomeness-liam-neeson/201277298.php

Liam Neeson destroys stuff in Taken 2 Trailer (PEREZ HILTON)

Needless to say, we're very pumped for this action romp fest to hit the big screen.

It doesn't get any better than watching Neeson beastin' random European bad guys.

READ MORE:  http://perezhilton.com/2012-08-29-liam-neeson-kicks-ass-taken#.UD69NdZlT54

Liam Neeson: TAKEN NEMO! The Pixar version of Taken!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JTwKv4EQeI&feature=player_embedded

Very clever - 

Stebbokun

Henry Cavill: On the brink of Immortality

ASIA ONE 
By Jason Johnson
The New Paper
Monday, Aug 13, 2012

Cavill obviously knows that he will soon be among the most famous human beings on Earth. Everywhere he goes, everyone will know his name, or at least that he's the Superman dude.

For most young actors, getting to star with Bruce Willis in a flick like The Cold Light Of Day would already be a huge thrill and would be the highlight of their career.

Shooting a movie in Spain with the Die Hard guy? That more than justifies having to appear in a Hellraiser movie, as Cavill did in 2005.

The Cold Light Of Day is an action thriller that's vaguely along the lines of Liam Neeson's Taken.

Cavill plays Will Shaw, a Wall Street hotshot whose mother and brother are kidnapped while on vacation in Spain.

As he embarks on his search, he learns that his father (Willis) works for the CIA and that he has a briefcase that can be traded in exchange for his family.

It's so interesting to see Cavill in a role like this knowing what's on the horizon.

He looks like just your run-of-the-mill handsome guy, but he's actually faster than a speeding bullet.

He comes from the planet Krypton.

He's Superman, for crying out loud


READ MORE: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20120810-364629.html

Liam Neeson Was Surprised By Taken Sequel Plans (FEMALE FIRST)

Liam Neeson has admitted that he was surprised when Luc Besson came to him with the idea of going a Taken sequel.

The actor took on the role of CIA operative Bryan Mills back in 2008 and he is set to reprise this character later this year.

Speaking to Empire the actor said: "The first one for me was just a one-off. It was a huge hit, but I thought, 'That's it'.

"Then Luc Besson came back and said, 'We want to do a sequel'. I said, 'Come on, how can you possibly do a sequel? What, she gets taken again? It's crazy!'


READ MORE: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/movies/movie-news/Liam+Neeson-250361.html