This article is part of a directory: Taken 4: Will It Happen? Everything We Know

Now that fans of the successful Fox action franchise Taken have seen the first trailer for the upcoming NBC TV adaption, there’s been some talk as to whether or not a fourth entry in the film series can also be expected. To date, the Liam Neeson led action films have all rehashed very similar plotlines regarding former CIA operative Bryan Mills and his quests to rescue his daughter, his daughter, his wife and/or even himself from a seemingly endless supply of deranged lunatics.

While these plotlines might seem laughable to some, audiences have consistently proven the three Taken films to be big box office draws. What’s more, the budgets of the films have always remained relatively small, thereby helping to maximize returns. But back in 2015, Liam Neeson was still hinting that a Taken 4 just might be on the horizon – mostly it seemed, because the star was eager to work with his Taken 3 co-star again, Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker. Well, we now know exactly how Neeson feels about the possibility of doing a Taken 4. Sorry Taken fans, it doesn’t look promising.

In a recent interview (above) on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Neeson is asked if there is any chance for a new chapter in the Taken franchise. Not only did the Shindler’s List star make it clear there was no chance for another film, but he also mocked the entire concept. Said Neeson in response to Colbert’s question of whether there was a chance for Taken 4:

“No, there’s not. There’s only so many times your daughter can be taken. Actually if we do have another it will be, ‘Please can you take my daughter’?”

This news is sure to come as a relief for those who were just plain tired of seeing Neeson take on the role of Bryan Mills.  But for those die-hard Taken fans, perhaps it’s best not to give up hope on a fourth film quite so fast. Some may remember that back in 2013, Neeson had also mocked the idea of doing another Taken film. As a matter of fact, he even went as far as to call the storyline of a then non-existent Taken 3 insulting: It’s insulting to an audience as well as to me.” But a little more than a year later and Taken 3 was in theaters. Of course, the plot of the third Taken film didn’t revolve around kidnapping so much as it did Mills attempting to prove his innocence in a story that was reminiscent of 1993’s The Fugitive.

Liam Neeson Taken

So will there be a Taken 4? According to Liam Neeson, no. But as we’re all very much aware, nothing is ever one hundred percent in Hollywood – especially when it comes to lucrative franchise films. Neeson has also said (as of 2015) that he plans to retire from action films within the next two years. There is always the possibility of rebooting the Taken franchise, especially should the NBC prequel series find an audience. If a Taken reboot occurs rather than a fourth film, it’s hard to imagine that it will once again involve Neeson as Bryan Mills.  Chris Pratt, anyone?

For now, Taken fans will just have to be content with their Taken box sets and watching the upcoming NBC series. It’s hard to believe that Fox wouldn’t be eager to keep going with the film franchise, considering that every Taken film to date has made a considerable amount of money. As we’ve previously seen, a lot can happen in as little of a span as a year and Taken might not be gone just yet.

Taken (the TV show) premieres February 27th, 21017 on NBC.

Source: The Late Show