With Daniel Craig done with the role of the popular British spy, a number of actors have become the contender to be the next James Bond. While multiple Hollywood stars are in a race to portray the character, Liam Neeson left the role after he got an ultimatum from his wife, Natasha Richardson. The Taken star shared during his interview with Rolling Stones that he got the offer to portray James Bond but seems like he wasn’t destined to be 007.
Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson Was Offered the Role of James Bond

Liam Neeson is known for his incredible performances. The actor, popularly known for his work in Taken, was once offered to play James Bond. After featuring in Steve Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film, Schindler’s List, Neeson gained much more recognition, leading the film producer, Barbara Broccoli, to offer him the role of James Bond.  Although he wanted to portray the British spy and was going to agree to the offer, he had to refuse due to his wife’s one condition.
Liam Neeson in Taken

“And then my lovely wife [Natasha Richardson], God rest her soul, said to me while we were shooting ‘Nell’ down in the Carolinas, ‘Liam, I want to tell you something: If you play James Bond, we’re not getting married.’”

During his interview with Rolling Stone, the Blacklight star shared that he knew Barbara Broccoli and she “had called me a couple of times to ask if I was interested, and I said, ‘Yes, I would be interested.’” However, he had to turn down the offer after he received a warning from his wife.

Why did Liam Neeson’s Wife ask Him to Reject James Bond?

While it would have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Liam Neeson as he was still working to make a name for himself, the actor does not seem to regret the decision. He shared in his interview that he continued teasing his wife by impersonating James Bond and humming the James Bond theme song.

And the Memory star also had a reason why his wife would have asked him to reject the role. He shared that Richardson gave him a “James Bond ultimatum.” He further shared,
Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson

“And she meant it! Come on, there are all those gorgeous girls in various countries getting into bed and getting out of bed. I’m sure a lot of her decision-making was based on that!” 

Although he may not be able to star in James Bond movies, Neeson has starred in a number of action thrillers, including the popular franchise, Taken.

Taken is available to stream on Lionsgate Play.