Robert Mark Kamen, known for his work on iconic franchises like The Karate Kid and Taken, has a knack for creating action movie stars. His collaborations with Luc Besson, particularly on The Fifth Element and The Transporter, played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Bruce Willis and Jason Statham, respectively.
Kamen revealed that working with Bruce Willis on The Fifth Element was challenging due to Willis’s difficult demeanor. However, this experience inspired Kamen and Besson to create their own movie stars, leading to the discovery of Jason Statham for The Transporter franchise. Statham, who had previously gained recognition in British films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, became an action star with his role in The Transporter.
Similarly, Kamen’s involvement in the creation of the Taken franchise helped transform Liam Neeson from a primarily dramatic actor into an action star. Neeson, known for his acclaimed performances in films like Schindler’s List and Gangs of New York, embraced his action hero persona after the success of Taken, leading to a string of action-packed roles.
Kamen noted that Neeson’s shift towards action movies was driven by a desire to explore different roles and capitalize on lucrative opportunities. Neeson’s ability to command the screen as an action star proved to be a lucrative career move, resulting in numerous action film roles and solidifying his status as a box office draw.
Overall, Kamen’s collaborations with talented actors and filmmakers have not only produced successful franchises but also played a significant role in shaping the action movie landscape and launching the careers of action stars like Jason Statham and Liam Neeson.