Liam Neeson once more graces the big screen for another no-holds-barred action thriller, Memory, which arrives in theaters on April 29. Already an icon from classic films such as Taken and The Grey, Neeson has teamed up with Casino Royale director Martin Campbell this time around to tell the story of a hitman named Alex Lewis. After refusing to complete a job that goes against his moral code, he must now turn his skills against those who hired him while also evading the FBI agent (Guy Pearce, Mare of Easttown) out for his blood.
Neeson spoke to Screen Rant about the number of people he's taken out onscreen, the joys of working with such a brilliant cast and crew, and his own memories of filming Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.
Screen Rant: The first thing I thought of when I watched this movie is if you have any idea of the amount of people that you've assassinated in movies? I feel like you have to hold the record.
Liam Neeson: I had a driver, when I was doing the first Taken movie - 15 years ago, I think it was. We were shooting in LA for the first week. And at the end of the first week, as he dropped me off at the hotel, my driver said, "Mr. Neeson, can I asked you a question?" I said, "Yeah, sure." He says, "I've started to read the script of Taken. I've got to page 40," I think he said. "You've taken the lives of 26 people." [laughs]
I didn't know how to answer that. I felt quite embarrassed. He said in such a way, as if, "Are you sure you've read this script? Because you do nasty things to people."
And then Taken turns out to be freaking amazing. To play on the title, what was the most memorable moment you had on this set making this movie?
Liam Neeson: Working with Martin Campbell, who's my type of director. He's the governor; he's the boss. But he works very much in tandem with his actors. Loved working with Marvin.
Guy Pearce? Terrific actor; I've always admired him. We've become new pals, I'm very pleased to say. And the gorgeous Monica Bellucci is so easy on the eyes. All I wanted to do was just look at her. Very easy to work with too; a real pro.
I interviewed her earlier, and I was like, "You are just so wonderful." I hope to at least hear your voice in the upcoming Obi-Wan series. I won't even ask. But with that show coming up, does that dredge up certain memories of just working with him and that whole time?
Liam Neeson: Yes, it does. I know Ewan's doing the series, and I cannot believe it was 24 years ago that we shot the film in London. My gosh.
I'll tell you a funny story. My son, Michael, was two. His nanny brought him out to visit me on set, and it was lunchtime. I held him in my arms and took him around the set, and there was R2-D2, just sitting parked. My son looked at this strange piece of metal - in my arms - and just [stretched his arms out]. I had to let him down, and he waddled over and started hugging R2-D2.
I thought it was very interesting. He was two; he knows nothing about Star Wars or saw any of the movies. It was just so cute. I remember telling George Lucas after lunch. I said, "I brought my son on. He had to go down and hug R2-D2, and it was really touching." And George said, "Yeah. R2-D2 has that effect on kids." And I just thought it was very, very sweet. It reminded me of that.
I find that interesting that he hadn't seen the movies too, because I feel like people love R2-D2 because of his personality. Just to see him and be like, "Yep, I love this thing."
Liam Neeson: I mean, he's two years of age. You haven't seen any of this stuff, you know?
Memory Synopsis
When Alex, an expert assassin, refuses to complete a job for a dangerous criminal organization, he becomes a target. FBI agents and Mexican intelligence are brought in to investigate the trail of bodies, leading them closer to Alex. With the crime syndicate and FBI in hot pursuit, Alex has the skills to stay ahead, except for one thing: he is struggling with severe memory loss, affecting his every move. Alex must question his every action and whom he can ultimately trust.
Check out our previous chats with Liam Neeson for The Marksman and Cold Pursuit.
Memory will be released in theaters on April 29.