Liam Neeson Opens up About the Filmmakers He Loves the Most

Liam Neeson has spent decades proving he can do it all, from intense dramas to high-octane action movies. Before he became the face of the Taken series or the iconic Oskar Schindler, Neeson built his career with films like The Bounty and The Mission, showing early signs of the actor he would become.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, he solidified his reputation with movies like Nell, Rob Roy, and Michael Collins, earning respect as one of cinema’s most versatile performers. Neeson spoke with IndieWire about the directors who shaped his career. He had high praise for Neil Jordan, with whom he has worked on four films, including Michael Collins and the 2022 noir Marlowe.

“We’re hopefully looking to do a fifth project together later this year,” he said, emphasizing the trust and collaboration they’ve built over decades. He also reflected on his time with Steven Spielberg, calling him “just fantastic” and crediting Schindler’s List as a career-defining experience.

Neeson didn’t forget Peter Mullan, who directed him in The Big Man, or Kathryn Bigelow, who helmed K-19: The Widowmaker. He especially noted the rarity of female directors in his career. “Bigelow was terrific to work with over twenty years ago, and I just wish there were more opportunities for women to direct big films,” he said.

Neeson also credited his early mentor, John Boorman, director of Excalibur, for giving him hands-on training. “He would show us exactly what he was looking at and explain the technical side of filming. It was a masterclass in understanding movies that I still carry today,” Neeson said.

At 73, Neeson shows no signs of slowing down. He recently surprised fans with a comedy reboot of The Naked Gun, playing Frank Drebin Jr., which was a hit and even won Best Comedy at the Critics’ Choice Awards in January.

Looking ahead, audiences can catch him in the sci-fi thriller Cold Storage, set to hit theaters on February 13. The movie stars Neeson alongside Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell as they face a deadly, mind-controlling fungus in a tense race against time.

Over the years, Neeson has shown he can reinvent himself while working with some of the most talented directors in film history. From intense historical dramas to surprising comedy turns, he has built a career defined by range and resilience.

Do you think Liam Neeson’s move into comedy is a welcome change, or do you prefer the intense action roles that made him a household name? Share your thoughts in the comments.