Published: October 25, 2024

Liam Neeson reveals when he plans to retire

By Movieguide® Contributor

Liam Neeson’s days as an action star could soon be coming to an end as the actor revealed he is considering retiring from the genre.

“I’m 72 – it has to stop at some stage,” Neeson told PEOPLE. “You can’t fool the audience. I don’t want Mark to fight my fight scenes for me.”

Throughout his action film career, the actor has performed many of his own stunts, including his fight scenes, although he has relinquished more intricate scenes to his longtime collaborator Mark Vanslow.

Although Neeson is best known for his role in the TAKEN series, he was a latecomer to the action genre. He spent decades in the industry playing softer roles such as Jesus in PILGRIM’S PROGRESS and Oskar Schindler in SCHINDLER’S LIST. His background in non-action roles is what allows him to shine so brightly in the genre.

READ MORE: LIAM NEESON REFLECTS HOW PERSONAL TRAGEDIES SHAPED CAREER: ‘REDEMPTION’

“When he’s immersed in the character that he is, you see the hurt, you see the pain,” said director Hans Petter Moland who worked with Neeson on COLD PURSUIT. “He’s going to be that man.”

“When I play these violent roles, I try to create some quality of redemption or justice,” Neeson told AARP in a previous interview, explains why all of his characters have a sense of humanity to them.

Although Neeson may be looking at his retirement from the action genre, fans still have one a couple of movies to enjoy before that happens. His upcoming film ABSOLUTION sees the star back in action and hits theaters on November 1. He also recently wrapped filming on a reboot of the cop comedy THE NAKED GUN. Neeson is also involved in a yet-to-be-filmed movie THE MONGOOSE, which will be action-heavy.

Even after he retires, Neeson will likely continue to act. He has already found new life in his career once, perhaps the next stage will bring a third act.

READ MORE: LIAM NEESON SHARES HOW CLASSIC STORIES LIKE BEN-HUR AND THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS INFLUENCED HIS CAREER