Liam Neeson jokes about ‘Taken 2’ sequels, ‘Dark Knight Rises’ cameo
In an Empire Online podcast, the Irish actor talked about his latest butt-kicking adventure, even joking a bit about some of the film’s more tongue-in-cheek elements.
Empire noted the Maggie Grace character’s singing ambitions, and their absence from the Taken 2 trailer. “Of course, what about her singing career?,” Neeson responded. “I’d forgotten all about that. Taken 5: Kim’s First Concert.”
All joking aside Neeson doesn’t foresee another chapter.
“I don’t see it,” he replied. “I don’t think it’s going to happen. I really don’t. I can’t see a possible scenario where audiences wouldn’t go, ‘Oh, come on … ! She’s taken again?’ ”
The famous actor reflected on the success of the 2009 film.
Yeah, yeah. I have a theory, too, certainly with the first Taken, when it came out in 2009, the world was turned upside down financially – we were in a crisis. Our elected leaders, the so-called pillars of society, the bankers and managers, were fucking shafting us. And everyone felt vulnerable and scared and nervous.
“And when you feel that, you seek entertainment, and I think when you see films like The Expendables – which didn’t come out then, but there was Taken and I’m sure a couple of others – it’s about someone who’s not going to call on a figure of authority when he’s in trouble. He’s going to do something about it himself. I think that gave people a real guilty pleasure. Saying, “Yes, I wish I could do that.”
Neeson’s cameo in “The Dark Knight Rises” was buzz all over the Internet and he spoke about keeping the appearance a secret.
“It was good. I haven’t seen the movie yet to be honest with you. I was on set for two hours, I think. And then Chris [Nolan] said [adopts very posh, slightly grave English voice], “Don’t tell anybody you were here.” [Laughs]
And there’s a crew of 300, you know? I said, “I’m not going to say anything, but these 300 guys might!” [Laughs]
Doing junkets, people say, “You’re in Batman!” and I’d say, “I’m not in Batman, I’m really not!”
