Liam Neeson has been remarkably successful at starting a new career as an action hero, starting with the smash hit Taken in 2008. That was followed by a sequel last year and now there could be a third on the way, with Neeson taking home a huge paycheck.
Deadline is reporting that Neeson could make as much as $20 million to play retired CIA agent Bryan Mills in Taken 3. Neeson was paid $15 million to star in the first film, which was directed by Pierre Morel and grossed $145 million domestically.
While Taken 2 didn’t earn great reviews, it was still a worldwide success, making $50 million on opening weekend. It made $376 million worldwide and only cost $45 million to make.
Taken was launched by EuropaCorp and co-writer Luc Besson, with 20th Century Fox distributing. Maggie Grace played Neeson’s daughter and Famke Janssen was his ex-wife. Deadline says that negotiations are already underway to bring them back as well.
In Taken 3 gets off the ground, it will continue to prove that Neeson, who just turned 61, is not slowing down. The actor will next be seen in Anchorman: The Legend Continues.
image: Fox/EPK