Liam Neeson hints at retiring from action films in 2025: “It has to stop at some stage”

Liam Neeson, renowned for his iconic roles in action-packed blockbusters like Taken, has hinted at his retirement from action films, suggesting that 2025 might mark the end of his long-running career in the genre. The 72-year-old actor, whose “particular set of skills” has made him a staple in Hollywood thrillers, revealed his thoughts on winding down his action movie career during an interview with People, published on Wednesday.

Liam Neeson on his retiring plans:

“Maybe at the end of next year. I think that’s it,” Neeson said, acknowledging the physical demands that come with his action roles. While the actor continues to keep pace with his stunt double, Mark Vanselow, Neeson admitted that it’s becoming harder to pull off the intense fight scenes audiences have come to expect from him. “I’m 72 — it has to stop at some stage,” he explained. “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me.”

Neeson will next be seen in the upcoming action film Absolution, directed by Hans Petter Moland, who praised the actor’s ability to keep up with the fast-paced action. However, Neeson’s pragmatic approach suggests he is ready to transition out of the physically demanding genre.

Despite the talk of retirement from action films, 2025 is shaping up to be a busy year for Neeson. The actor is set to star in the thriller Cold Storage and will take on a new comedic role in the reboot of the Naked Gun franchise. In the revival of the beloved police comedy series, Neeson will star opposite Pamela Anderson, who is set to play his love interest.

Neeson expressed his admiration for Anderson, calling her a perfect fit for the role. “I’m madly in love with her,” he told People. “I can’t compliment her enough. She’s funny.” The Naked Gun reboot, which is based on the classic Police Squad! TV series, is slated for a July 2025 release, with Anderson following in the footsteps of Priscilla Presley, who played the romantic lead in the original trilogy alongside Leslie Nielsen’s bumbling lieutenant Frank Drebin.