In 2005, Liam Neeson took on the role of Henri Ducard/Ra’s al Ghul in the highly influential superhero film Batman Begins. Little did he know that just a few years later, he would experience the unexpected success of his own film, Taken. Despite not being a superhero genre fan, Neeson found something captivating about Christopher Nolan’s inaugural installment in the Dark Knight trilogy. Batman Begins held a special allure for him, even though it didn’t align with his overall taste in films.
It’s worth noting that Christian Bale, the actor who portrayed Batman in that film and its subsequent sequels, recently made a return to the superhero genre with his role as Gorr the God Butcher in Thor: Love and Thunder. However, Liam Neeson, who also appeared in Batman Begins, has not taken a similar path.
What Made Liam Neeson Accept Christopher Nolan’s Offer
In a conversation with Rolling Stone, the esteemed actor expressed his general lack of affinity for the superhero movie genre. Neeson clarified that this particular cinematic genre doesn’t align with his preferences and tastes.
“I’ll be honest: All these superhero movies? I’m not a fan. I’m really not. I admire them because it’s Hollywood with all their bells and whistles and technology, which is phenomenal, but they all seem to me to be just the same story. You can say, ‘OK, you did do Chris Nolan’s.'”
When Liam Neeson was asked about the elements that drew him to be a part of Batman Begins, particularly the noir aspects present in the Dark Knight trilogy, his response during the Rolling Stone interview was as follows:
“You took the words right out of my mouth. They had a noir feel to them. And Chris Bale and Gary Oldman? Come on! What a cast. And Michael [Caine] and Morgan [Freeman]? My god!”
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Liam Neeson Feels Disney Has Diluted Star Wars Brand
Considering Liam Neeson’s recent involvement in the film Marlowe, where he portrays the iconic character Phillip Marlowe created by Raymond Chandler, it’s fitting that he would discuss the noir elements. Reflecting on his past experiences, including his time working on Batman Begins, Neeson fondly recalls the noir atmosphere and his talented co-stars.
However, that particular experience fulfilled his desire to be a part of a superhero film, and he has no interest in reprising his role as Qui-Gon Jinn for a Disney+ spinoff. Neeson believes that the abundance of spinoffs has diluted the Star Wars brand, leading to his lack of enthusiasm for such projects.
While Liam Neeson has a number of upcoming projects in the pipeline, such as Retribution, In the Land of Saints and Sinners, and Thug, it remains uncertain whether any of these films will be included in the new movie releases in 2023.
Batman Begins is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Source: Cinemablend
