Harsh Vardhan
Liam Neeson, the distinguished Irish actor, has carved a remarkable career in the world of cinema, spanning several decades. He made his initial foray into acting in the late 1970s with his first notable appearance in the film ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ (1978). However, it was in the early 1990s that he gained widespread recognition and acclaim for his performance as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg’s epic masterpiece ‘Schindler’s List’ (1993). Neeson’s powerful portrayal of a man who saved countless lives during the Holocaust earned him an Academy Award nomination and catapulted him to international stardom.
Throughout his career, Liam Neeson has been a versatile actor, effortlessly transitioning between dramatic roles and action-packed blockbusters. He became an iconic action star with his role as Bryan Mills in the ‘Taken’ film series, captivating audiences with his formidable skills and intense screen presence. Neeson’s talent has not gone unnoticed by the industry, as he has garnered numerous prestigious awards and nominations. In addition to his Oscar nomination, he has received critical acclaim and accolades, including BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for various roles.
With a career marked by versatility, gravitas, and a commendable screen presence, Neeson continues to be a revered figure in Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and ability to immerse himself in diverse roles have solidified his status as one of the industry’s most respected and enduring actors. If his last performance as Matt Turner in ‘Retribution’ left you wanting more of his alluring on-screen presence, check out his upcoming projects!
1. The Naked Gun (2025)
In the uproarious continuation of the ‘Naked Gun‘ film series, the spotlight shifts to the comical escapades of Detective Frank Drebin’s son, Frank Drebin Jr. This highly anticipated sequel comes on the heels of ‘Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.’ Guided by the directorial expertise of Akiva Schaffer, the film features the esteemed Neeson stepping into the shoes of Frank Drebin Jr. Rest of the cast includes Kevin Durand, Paul Walter Hauser, Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston, and Liza Koshy. While the plot remains shrouded in secrecy, it has officially embarked on its pre-production journey and will be released on July 18, 2025.
2. Wildcat (TBA)
Directed by Ethan Hawke and written by Shelby Gaines and Hawke, ‘Wildcat’ is a biographical drama based on the life of American novelist Mary Flannery O’Connor. One of the finest writers of the 20th century, O’Connor penned 31 stories along with two novels before passing away at the young age of 39. However, the film showcases her struggle to write her first novel in the face of doubt and criticism by her family and her editor. The film stars Neeson along with Maya Hawke, Laura Linney, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Willa Fitzgerald. It was screened at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on September 1, 2023, followed by a limited release on May 3, 2024. It is yet to receive a worldwide release date. You can watch the trailer here.
3. Absolution (TBA)
Under the direction of Hans Petter Moland, ‘Thug’ weaves a compelling narrative around an aging gangster’s poignant quest for redemption. As he endeavors to mend the broken bonds with his estranged children and make amends for the ghosts of his past, he finds himself entangled in the unforgiving clutches of the criminal underworld. Liam Neeson assumes the role of the tormented gangster, sharing the screen with the esteemed talents of Ron Perlman, Yolonda Ross, Daniel Diemer, Matthew Delamater, William Xifaras, and Ryan Homchick. The project is in the final stages of post-production and is expected to be released on November 1, 2024.
4. Cold Storage (TBA)
In this upcoming gripping thriller titled ‘Cold Storage,’ a catastrophic event unfolds when a deadly virus, once securely contained within a government facility, breaks free and unleashes chaos. The destiny of humanity teeters on the brink, hinging on the actions of three individuals: a retired bioterror operative named Robert Quinn and two unlikely heroes working within the facility. Together, they find themselves locked in a relentless race against time to annihilate the deadly micro-organism and salvage the future of mankind.
The film is based on David Koepp’s 2019 novel of the same name. Joining Neeson in this high-stakes drama are the talents of Joe Keery (Travis “Teacake” Meacham), Georgina Campbell (Naomi Williams), Lesley Manville, Sosie Bacon (Dr. Hero Martins), Darrell D’Silva (The Rev), Aaron Heffernan, Justin Salinger (Dr. Friedman), etc. The Jonny Campbell directorial is currently undergoing post-production, with eager anticipation for its release sometime in 2024.
5. Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky (TBA)
In the anticipated sequel to ‘The Ice Road,’ the storyline shifts gears to follow Mike McCann as he embarks on a poignant journey to Nepal. His mission is to scatter his brother’s ashes atop the formidable Mount Everest. However, an unexpected twist awaits him as Mike and his mountain guide encounter a group of ruthless mercenaries while traveling aboard a tour bus. A high-stakes battle for survival ensues, with Mike, his fellow passengers, and even the fate of an entire nation hanging in the balance. Under the direction of Jonathan Hensleigh, Neeson is set to reprise his role as the indomitable Mike, promising a thrilling return to the film series. The film co-stars Fan Bingbing (she will play Dhani, a veteran Mt. Everest guide), Mahesh Jadu, Kaden Hartcher, Bernard Curry, Michala Banas, and Saksham Sharma. The project is currently in its post-production phase, and further updates are awaited.
6. Hotel Tehran (TBA)
Directed by Guy Moshe, ‘Hotel Tehran’ stars Neeson and Zachary Levy. The film follows a group of war-torn disgraced ex-CIA operatives who set off for Tehran for a crucial mission. Moshe wrote the script with Mark Bacci based on the concept by Bazzel Baz, actor/writer/former CIA Officer. No other cast member has been revealed yet. The project is currently in its pre-production phase and has yet to receive a release date.
7. The Mongoose (TBA)
Currently in its pre-productions stage, ‘The Mongoose’ will see Neeson play the role of Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, a decorated war veteran, who will lead the cops on a cross-country chase. The epic chase will be televised as Fang tries to flee a murder scene at 130 mph in a Mustang Shelby Cobra GT 65 after being wrongly accused of the crime. In his escape endeavor, he will be assisted by former Special Forces friends while a fascinated public watches the events unfold on television, hoping that Fang gets away. No other cast member has been revealed yet, and casting is ongoing. Amazon Prime Video has bought the distribution rights for the film. Mark Vanselow is set to direct it. Filming is set to begin in Australia in January 2025. More details about this extremely interesting project are awaited.
8. The Riker’s Ghost (TBA)
Neeson and director Neil Jordan, who previously teamed up for ‘Marlowe,’ are reuniting for the upcoming thriller, ‘The Riker’s Ghost.’ Neeson steps into the role of a convicted man poised for release, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he’s compelled to engineer a daring prison break to liberate a terrorist. Sean O’Keefe (‘Spenser Confidential’) and Brian Rudnick (‘Dungeons & Dragons’) penned the movie. This film promises to deliver a distinctive and innovative perspective on the classic prison escape narrative. As the project has entered the pre-production stage, fans and movie enthusiasts eagerly await further updates regarding this intriguing thriller.
9. Charlie Johnson in the Flames (TBA)
‘Charlie Johnson in the Flames’ is an upcoming gripping political thriller that follows the journey of an American journalist who ventures into Iraq with a singular mission: to track down and bring a ruthless Colonel responsible for heinous acts to justice. Under the direction of Tarik Saleh, this film adapts Michael Ignatieff’s equally riveting novel of the same name. Liam Neeson is poised to take on the pivotal role of Charlie Johnson, an esteemed BBC war correspondent renowned for his fearless coverage of civil unrest in the Congo. However, a tragic incident, the death of an innocent woman, triggers a profound transformation within him. This cinematic venture, which has been in the pre-production stage for a long time now, promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of journalistic integrity and the human spirit amidst the chaos of conflict.
10. Run All Night 2 (TBA)
A sequel to the action thriller ‘Run All Night’ (2015), this film will see the return of Liam Neeson’s Irish mobster Jimmy “The Gravedigger” Conlon and of director Jaume Collet-Serra who helmed the first part as well as other Liam-Neeson starrers like ‘Unknown’ (2011) and ‘Non-Stop’ (2014). The first installment is about Conlon dealing with his dark past and trying to protect his son Mike (played by Joel Kinnaman) from the mob. The second part, too, will reportedly show the same, but we can be sure that the stakes will be higher. However, other than Neeson, we don’t have the confirmation on the cast. We also do not know how the makers will show Jimmy’s return because he dies at the end of the first part. The film is currently in its pre-production stage and further details are awaited.
Read More: Taken: The Liam Neeson Movie is Inspired by True Stories of Kidnappings
