Liam Neeson, 72, Reflects On Stepping Away From Action Films
Liam Neeson’s cinematic journey has spanned almost five decades, during which he’s portrayed characters as diverse as a Jedi Master, a member of the Nazi party for a morally complex role, a charming widower, and, most famously, a relentless father in the Taken series—a role that unexpectedly transformed him into an action icon in his mid-fifties. This reinvention turned Neeson, known primarily for dramatic roles, into a household name synonymous with high-stakes action and gritty resolve.
Now, at 72, Neeson is contemplating retirement from action films, remarking that “it has to stop at some stage.” As age advances, the once seemingly indestructible action hero wonders if he can still convincingly deliver the intense scenes that audiences have come to love. For fans, the news might signal the end of an era.
Over the years, Liam Neeson has built a reputation as a versatile and deeply respected actor. His breakout role came in the early 1990s when he played Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List, a film that earned him international acclaim and solidified his place among Hollywood’s finest. The performance not only brought him critical recognition but also opened the door to numerous award nominations, setting the stage for a career that would defy easy categorization.
Throughout the following decade, Neeson showcased his range by diving into various roles—from romantic leads to iconic characters like Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, a part in one of cinema’s biggest franchises. But his career took an unexpected turn in 2008 with Taken, where he portrayed Bryan Mills, a retired CIA operative determined to save his kidnapped daughter. The role, featuring the unforgettable line “I will find you, and I will kill you,” became an instant classic. It struck a chord with audiences worldwide and catapulted Neeson into the realm of action, marking a new chapter in his career at a time when most actors might be winding down.
This foray into action films at age 56 came as a surprise to many who knew him for his dramatic roles. However, Taken proved that Neeson had the grit and gravitas needed to captivate action fans, and his portrayal of Bryan Mills was widely praised. The film’s success not only made him a viable action star in his late fifties but also led to two sequels and a series of similar roles that showcased his tough, relentless on-screen presence.
Neeson himself acknowledges the unique appeal that his performance seemed to tap into. He noted in a recent interview that Taken had “touched something in the psychic nerve of moviegoing audiences.” The role’s intensity, coupled with Neeson’s no-nonsense delivery, made Mills an iconic character. The franchise’s massive success marked Neeson’s status as a top action star, allowing him to take on similar roles in films that demanded physical prowess and the portrayal of complex, often tortured characters.
Hans Petter Moland, who directed Neeson in Cold Pursuit (2019) and the upcoming film Thug, describes the actor’s deep commitment to his roles. “When he’s immersed in the character, you see the hurt, you see the pain,” Moland shares. “He becomes that man.” This ability to embody his characters so convincingly has helped Neeson maintain a strong connection with audiences even as he’s aged.
Despite his ongoing success, Neeson has indicated that his age is beginning to limit his ability to perform demanding action scenes. Known for his hands-on approach to stunts, Neeson has always preferred to do as much of his own action work as possible, often collaborating with his longtime stunt coordinator and double, Mark Vanselow. Their partnership, which began with Taken, has become a defining part of Neeson’s late-career action roles. Vanselow designs intense fight sequences tailored to Neeson’s abilities, ensuring that the actor can perform as much of the action as possible without compromising safety. However, Neeson admits, “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me.” This honesty about his limits reflects his respect for both the art of film and the intelligence of his fans.
When pressed about his retirement timeline, Neeson hints that he may be ready to step back from action films in the near future, possibly by the end of next year. This revelation is bittersweet for fans who have come to see Neeson as an enduring figure in action cinema. However, the actor doesn’t appear to be entirely stepping away from the screen. He’s now exploring a new direction, taking on roles in comedy, a genre he’s rarely ventured into.
Recently, Neeson completed filming The Naked Gun, a reboot of the 1988 crime spoof comedy originally starring the late Leslie Nielsen as the hilariously inept cop Frank Drebin. In the 2025 release, Neeson takes on the role of Drebin, partnering with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson. “I’m madly in love with her,” he says of Anderson, adding, “I can’t compliment her enough. She’s funny.” Though Neeson himself is uncertain about his comedic abilities, Anderson assures fans that his humility doesn’t reflect his talent. “It was hard to keep a straight face in scenes together,” she shares, hinting at a lively chemistry between the two on set.
Neeson’s move into comedy represents yet another reinvention in a career that has already seen many transformations. While it may seem like an unusual choice for someone known for intense dramatic and action roles, it’s also a testament to Neeson’s desire to continue challenging himself and keeping his work fresh. Trying his hand at comedy could open new doors and help him connect with audiences in a different way, allowing fans to see a lighter side of him.
As he approaches what could be his final year in action films, Neeson’s legacy as a cinematic chameleon who has skillfully navigated roles across genres is undeniable. From his early days as a respected dramatic actor to his unexpected rise as an action hero and now a budding comedy star, Neeson’s career has been one of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Even if he ultimately steps away from the action genre, fans will surely continue to follow his journey, eager to see what he brings to the screen next.
PROC. BY MOVIES
Serena Williams addresses crip walk cameo at Super Bowl
Serena Williams at the Super Bowl. Credit / Getty Images
Serena Williams knows how to make an entrance – and this time, she did it with just a few slick steps. During Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, the 43-year-old tennis icon had a brief cameo where she effortlessly hit the crip walk, sending the internet into a frenzy. And now, Williams is speaking out on her wild dance moves.
For a split second, the sports world and hip-hop culture collided in the most unexpected way. As Kendrick Lamar brought the house down with his fiery performance of “Not Like Us” at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show, the camera briefly panned to the corner of the stage.
There stood Serena Williams – tennis legend, 23-time Grand Slam champion, and cultural icon – crip walking with the kind of effortless cool that only she could pull off.
The dance was created in the 1970s by Robert “Sugar Bear” Jackson, a first-generation crip member – an alliance of street gangs mostly based in the coastal regions of Southern California.
But this wasn’t the first time Williams showcased her dance skills.
Wimbledon crip walk
Fans might remember Williams crip walking at the 2012 London Olympics after winning gold, a move that was met with both celebration and controversy.
When it happened, Bill Plaschke, LA Times sports journalist, tweeted, “Serena C-walking at Wimbledon only shows how long she’s been away from home, separated from violence and death associated with that dance.”
Fans were divided on Williams doing the crip walk dance to celebrate her win, some saying it wasn’t “disrespectful,” while others suggested it was “stupid and classless.”
Responding to Plaschke’s criticism, one fan writes, “The Suburb kids here in Pittsburgh crip walk at proms. Not everything is Controversy.”
A second shares, “Moment of raw emotion. Questionable dance choice. Not disrespectful. We should embrace realness from athletes.” And another offered, “Shame she had to put a tarnish on an impressive win. just plain stupid and classless.”
By the time Lamar took the halftime stage at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, anticipation was at an all-time high. The song’s beat dropped, the stadium erupted, and then – just as the track hit one of its most infectious moments – the camera found Williams, effortlessly vibing to the Grammy-winning song, “Not Like Us” – Lamar’s diss track aimed at Drake.
Williams reportedly dated the Canadian rapper before she married Alexis Ohanian, and by bringing her on stage, Lamar took his ongoing feud with Drake to a whole new level.
If there was any doubt about where Serena stood in the Drake vs. Kendrick feud, it was erased in that single dance move.
And though it was a brief, blink-and-you-miss-it moment, the tennis legend and Lamar – both who grew up in Compton, California – sent social media into a frenzy.
“This game sucks. Serena won the Super Bowl,” tweets one fan of the February 9 game, that saw the Kansas City Chiefs crushed by the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Serena making an appearance too? That’s a power move. Kendrick repping Compton, Serena bringing the legend status – definitely a moment,” offers a second netizen.
Another writes, “Fierce!! My only complaint…the camera needed to be on Serena longer!!!”
Legendary crip walk
After the Eagles clinched the 2025 title, Williams shared a social media clip that she captioned, “Super Bowl halftime show babyyyyyyyyy.”
In the clip that’s been viewed 2.7 million times, she jokes, “Man I did not crip walk like that at Wimbledon, I would’ve been fined.”
Fans jumped into the comments section, praising her surprising cameo at the Super Bowl.
“Serena Williams! The converse, the outfit, the dance moves, the feature in Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not like us’ Super Bowl halftime show, winning on and off the tennis court,” shares one netizen.
A second writes, “Kendrick bringing one of Drake’s exes out to literally dance on his grave was so good.”
“The Legend herself. You represented,” shares a third.
Serena Williams didn’t need a touchdown or a microphone to steal the show. All it took was five seconds, a legendary dance move, and the right song at the right time.
And just like that, Serena Williams won the Super Bowl.
What do you think of Williams’ crip walk at the Super Bowl? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can hear from others!
Elon Musk’s brutal four-word response to Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift had a rough Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Not only did her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, leave the game empty-handed — but the pop icon herself was also met with boos when she appeared on the big screens.
Taylor Swift’s reaction
With a fan base in the tens of millions and a reputation free from scandal, Taylor Swift has been one of the world’s most famous women in recent years. Yet, even she isn’t immune to being met with a chorus of boos.
During last night’s Super Bowl LIX, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, the superstar songstress seemed to be minding her own business when she became a target for the crowd. Swift – at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans to support boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Chiefs – looked to mouth “What is going on?” to friend and fellow artist Ice Spice.
Taylor Swift was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, and a few years ago, she was spotted wearing a Philadelphia Eagles sweatshirt while strolling through New York City. However, she naturally shifted allegiance to the Kansas City Chiefs when she started dating superstar Travis Kelce.
The pro-Eagles crowd in New Orleans didn’t seem to have forgotten Swift’s past support for the Eagles before switching to the Chiefs. When the superstar singer appeared on the big screen, fans greeted her with loud boos.
Trump couldn’t resist
One person who couldn’t resist commenting on Taylor Swift’s chilly reception was Donald Trump, who was also at the game as the first sitting president in history to attend. Taking to his Truth Social platform, he couldn’t resist commenting on the situation, suggesting that his loyal MAGA supporters were less than kind.
Getty Images
“The only one who had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving!” Trump wrote.
In contrast, Trump was met with an overwhelming reception, as fans appeared thrilled to see the U.S. President attend a Super Bowl for the first time.
The popular yet controversial account End Wokeness highlighted the stark contrast between the reactions to Taylor Swift and Donald Trump at the Super Bowl.
In a tweet, they wrote: ”Taylor Swift got mercilessly booed. Trump got a hero’s welcome. Total culture shift.”
Elon’s brutal four-word response
The comment sparked a response from one of Donald Trump’s closest allies, billionaire Elon Musk, who also joined in on mocking Taylor Swift. Elon Musk couldn’t resist chiming in, replying with a simple yet impactful: ”Vibe shift is real.”
This wasn’t the first time Tesla founder Elon Musk has taken aim at the pop icon. When Taylor Swift finally made a political endorsement, supporting Kamala Harris, Musk shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Fine Taylor…you win… I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life,” in what appeared to be a jab at Swift, who had signed off her endorsement with “childless cat lady.
Fans reveal why Taylor Swift was booed at the Super Bowl
Taylor Swift. Credit / Getty Images.
She commands a fan base numbering in the tens of millions, has been one of the most famous women on the planet over the past two years, and has a reputation unblemished by scandal or defamation. Yet even Taylor Swift can find herself the subject of an en masse booing, apparently.
During last night’s Super Bowl LIX, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, the superstar songstress seemed to be minding her own business when she became a target for the crowd. Swift – at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans to support boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Chiefs – looked to mouth “What is going on?” to friend and fellow artist Ice Spice.
The unexpected booing began when the camera panned to Swift in her box, subsequently beaming her image on the big screen before the 75,000 strong crowd.
Needless to say, Swift was as taken aback as anyone, and the negative reaction has posed the question: just why did it happen in the first place?
Well, as is always the case these days, it wasn’t long before the incident was being debated on social media. Moreover, no sooner had the video of Swift being booed hit the internet, than did fans on X attempt to decipher exactly what was going on.
“Eagles fans are booing her. She’s originally from Philly area but obviously rooting for Travis and chiefs,” one person wrote.
Another added: “The booos are from eagles fans aka the opposite team she supports this is normal.”
It’s the Eagles fans,” a third said.
There were naturally still those who were bemused by the turn of events, with many people taking to X to share their reactions.
“Why did she get booed?” one person asked. “I thought she was the sweetheart of America?“
Booing taylor swift as if she’s playing on the field against ‘your’ team, even though she’s just sitting there looking pretty, is loser behavior pic.twitter.com/yZ13tJbDwB
“Booing taylor swift as if she’s playing on the field against ‘your’ team, even though she’s just sitting there looking pretty, is loser behavior,” said another.
“What I don’t understand is why people booed at Taylor Swift? Like she was doing literally nothing and she’s just there to show support to Travis Kelce and see the game, it’s not like they’re going to make a Gabriella-Troy scene in High School Musical 3,” a third wrote.
One person who wasn’t on the receiving end of any ire was Donald Trump, who reportedly became the first sitting president in US history to attend a Super Bowl.
When the camera panned to the POTUS – who only took his oath of office three weeks ago – cheers rang out around the stadium. “I thought it would be a good thing for the country to have the president at the game,” Trump had said in an interview.
In the game itself, the Eagles emerged triumphant over the Chiefs in a 40-22 victory, stopping the Chiefs from repeating the success they enjoyed last year.
Did you watch last night’s Super Bowl? What did you think to the crowd booing Taylor Swift? Let us know in the comments.