Liam Neeson’s 3 Action Movies Desperately Need Sequels!

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Starting in the ’80s, Liam Neeson has acted in numerous movies across various genres. However, as his career evolved, he appears to have become particularly associated with action films. Among these action movies, there are some standalone titles that might have set the stage for sequels, provided Neeson could still be part of any potential follow-ups. With Neeson’s characters having perished in films like Excalibur and Krull, those are no longer options. Additionally, Darkman had already spawned two sequels, so it’s not a candidate for future sequels (even though neither sequel starred Neeson).

In terms of action movies following Liam Neeson’s post-Taken career, he has met his end in The Grey, Run All Night, The Marksman, Memory, and Absolution. To put it simply, if The Grey 2 was primarily focused on Neeson battling wolves for an hour and 45 minutes, we’d be first in line for the premiere night.

Here are 3 Liam Neeson action movies that should still get sequels.

The A-Team

Is there a large demand for another installment of 2010’s The A-Team? Not particularly, but if Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton Jackson, and Sharlto Copley are willing, the group might reunite.

The main strategy should be to reduce the budget and perhaps intensify the mood without sacrificing the fun element. Director Joe Carnahan excels when his films blend raw realism with fast-paced action (see examples such as “Narc”, “Smokin’ Aces”, and “Copshop”). Given that “The A-Team” was his only film with a big-budget production, it seems he prefers creating more low-key productions. This approach could be beneficial for “The A-Team”. Moreover, the partnership between Carnahan and Neeson, as demonstrated in “The Grey”, has the potential to create something extraordinary.

A Walk Among the Tombstones

On its own merit, “A Walk Among the Tombstones” doesn’t necessarily call for a follow-up. By the conclusion of the movie, almost everyone is deceased, save for Liam Neeson’s private investigator, Matthew Scudder – even the two antagonists, Albert (Adam David Thompson) and Ray (David Harbour, who will soon be seen in “Thunderbolts”). However, it’s clear that this is the Neeson action film most in need of a sequel.

On one side, this movie offers an engaging mystery thriller with Liam Neeson delivering a strong performance in the lead role. What truly stands out, though, is that it’s based on a book series by Lawrence Block, who has penned 18 novels featuring the protagonist Scudder. This wealth of material provides ample opportunity for sequels or adaptations. The initial book, “The Sins of the Fathers,” could be an ideal choice for continuation. In this novel, Scudder investigates a closed case when the girl’s father requests further inquiry. Remarkably, the investigation leads back to the father himself.

Additionally, you’ll find “Everybody Dies” (the 14th book) where Scudder, after being officially licensed by the state to function as a private investigator, finds himself unwillingly embroiled in an investigation orchestrated by his questionable friend. This situation significantly damages Scudder’s budding reputation. Lastly, there’s “Eight Million Ways to Die”, which was previously turned into a 1986 film featuring Jeff Bridges. Regrettably, the movie didn’t fare well despite Bridges’ commendable performance, so there remains potential for enhancement.

Cold Pursuit

Similar to the gripping film “Non-Stop,” “Cold Pursuit” offers a well-structured storyline that works well as a standalone. If Liam Neeson’s third chilling action thriller, “The Ice Road,” manages to secure a sequel, so could this one, which is arguably the finest Neeson action movie beyond “The Grey” (his initial icy action thriller, suggesting that perhaps his best action roles involve snowy landscapes).

As a dedicated fan, I personally believe that “The Commuter” sets up a sequel more organically due to its climactic scene where Liam Neeson’s character Michael MacCauley is poised to apprehend Vera Farmiga’s enigmatic Joanna, leaving room for intrigue and potential conflict. However, I must admit that “Cold Pursuit” offers an appealing lead in Nels Coxman, making it enticing to imagine him methodically taking down another criminal organization, even if it wasn’t the one responsible for his son’s fate. Both films have their unique charms and potential for continued storytelling!

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2025-04-24 18:41