Liam Neeson revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone did not pursue the role of James Bond because of his late wife Natasha Richardson. He became a household name in Hollywood after his leading role in Schindler’s List. Barbara Broccoli, the producer of the James Bond films reached out to him about possibly taking over the moniker. Richardson said to him, “Liam, I want to tell you something: If you play James Bond, we’re not getting married.” This was before they married and were dating at the time. Liam Neeson calls it his wife’s “James Bond ultimatum”. He would tease her about humming the James Bond theme song later on. Neeson and Richardson wed in 1994 and remained married until her accidental death in a skiing accident in 2009. He had two sons with his late wife and has not remarried since her death.
Liam Neeson Missed Out On James Bond But He’s Still An Action Star
The actor has had a far from lackluster career. Liam Neeson played Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Ra’s al Ghul in Batman Begins. The actor also voiced Asland in the Chronicles of Narnia films. He went on to star in the three Taken films as the former CIA officer Bryan Mills. He has been in multiple box-office films and has many accolades to show for his long career. Liam Neeson’s choice to choose his wife over the chance to play James Bond did not compromise his career prospects. He has been open about the grief he experienced after unexpectedly losing his wife. Liam Neeson hasn’t shown regret for losing out on the James Bond role. His upcoming roles include Retribution, In the Land of Saints and Sinners, and Thug.
His film Marlowe is playing in theaters now. Neeson’s career shows no signs of slowing down.