Taking a look at Liam Neeson’s decorated career, it is quite evident that the actor could have turned out to be the ultimate James Bond. Well, even the film creators felt the same, when they approached the star to cast him as 007. However, on a recent note, Neeson revealed refusing the franchise, for his partner.
Following his wife Natasha Richardson, who had different plans for the actor, Liam Neeson confessed to rejecting the celebrated franchise, once and for all. However, the actor didn’t appear to regret his decision. Well, why not, since he ended up with his own $932M franchise 2 years later.
Liam Neeson Was Sought To Play James Bond
As the search goes on for the next James Bond, Liam Neeson revealed the time when he was offered the decorated role of the MI6 spy in the early 1990s. Recalling his success following his titular role in the war tragedy Schindler’s List, Neeson became a renowned star, who was then sought-after for auspicious projects in the industry.
Traveling back in time, Liam Neeson recalled his craze during the 1990s, which even made the James Bond people come rushing for him. Realizing his strong interest in the role, as well as his global fame, the film creators sought Neeson to play the titular role of 007. He revealed,
“I was not offered James Bond. I know the Broccolis. They looked at a bunch of actors. Schindler’s List had come out and Barbara [Broccoli] had called me a couple of times to ask if I was interested, and I said, ‘Yes, I would be interested.’”
Well, why won’t he be interested? The role of the charming spy is such that the whole world was taken by storm when they first released Ian Fleming’s 1953 book adaptation. Therefore, even Neeson had been waiting for such an opportunity, throughout his career. However, in the end, despite his desire, the actor refused the role.
Liam Neeson Refused To Play The MI6 Spy
The popular action star, Liam Neeson revealed during an interview with Rolling Stone, how desperately he wanted to play the role of James Bond, but failed to do so, since his wife intervened. Discussing how his then-girlfriend threatened him to call off their wedding if he accepted the role, Neeson mentioned rejecting James Bond.
Liam Neeson revealed,
“And then my lovely wife [Natasha Richardson], god rest her soul, said to me while we were shooting Nell down in the Carolinas, ‘Liam, I want to tell you something: If you play James Bond, we’re not getting married.’”
Laughing while spilling the tea, the actor mentioned how his wife felt insecure, realizing the part where Bond wakes up with gorgeous women in his bed. Thus, Natasha Richardson intervened and literally forced him to reject the role. “She gave me a James Bond ultimatum. And she meant it!” the actor chuckled.
Disclosing the potential reason why his wife asked him to back out, Neeson shared, “Come on, there’s all those gorgeous girls in various countries getting into bed and getting out of bed. I’m sure a lot of her decision-making was based on that!” However, eventually, things turned out well for the actor as he landed the titular role in the $932M Taken franchise, as a well-known detective. Evidently, Liam Neeson redeemed his career within two years after turning down the role of James Bond.
Read more: Henry Cavill Instantly Regretted Turning Down $456 Million Zack Snyder Movie for James Bond
Source: Rolling Stone
