Liam Neeson’s Brutal Princess Bride Audition Experience Revealed

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Liam Neeson has built a remarkable career by appearing in films that aren’t typically associated with him. Prior to his role in 2008’s “Taken,” many wouldn’t have envisioned Neeson as an action star. This summer, he’ll take on the role previously held by Leslie Nielsen in the remake of “The Naked Gun,” which will test his comedic abilities more than ever before. It’s hard to picture him playing Fezzik in “The Princess Bride,” and it seems that even the film’s director had similar doubts.

In truth, I never really came close to landing that role, as confirmed by Neeson. Yet, I did attend an audition for it. During a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, I confessed my embarrassment upon arriving at the audition, as director Rob Reiner gave me a disapproving look. When asked about Reiner’s apparent dissatisfaction with me, Neeson explained that the renowned filmmaker was unimpressed for reasons he described as follows:

Indeed, he was spot-on. Addressing the casting director directly, he simply stated, “I requested a large figure.” Without any preamble, such as ‘hello’ or ‘thank you.’

Liam Neeson, despite feeling a bit disappointed himself, expressed sympathy towards the casting director since the role ultimately went to Andre the Giant, a professional wrestler who stood a full foot taller than Neeson. It seems that there weren’t many people of Andre’s size available for auditions.

Liam Neeson, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, isn’t a giant, but he would have required special camera techniques to appear towering over Cary Elwes who is six feet tall in the movie. It’s puzzling how Neeson was invited for an audition if Reiner intended to cast actual giants as Fezzik. Maybe non-giants were also summoned, causing more frustration from Reiner.

Reflecting on my admiration for Liam Neeson’s journey, I must say things worked out splendidly for him. After a seemingly unfortunate audition, he found himself starring in another iconic film, Sam Raimi’s Darkman, just a few years later. And then, in 1993, the world was graced with Schindler’s List, a movie that not only earned him an Academy Award nomination but catapulted his career to unprecedented heights.

Disney+ now offers the opportunity to stream “The Princess Bride” and other beloved fantasy films, all for just $9.99 a month with their ad-supported plan. Alternatively, for those who prefer an ad-free experience, they can opt for a monthly fee of $15.99. Additionally, there’s an option to save 16% by pre-paying $159.99 for a year’s subscription. Take a look at this deal here.

It’s fascinating to ponder what effect Liam Neeson playing a role in The Princess Bride might have had on both the movie and his career. Had he been cast, it would have been one of his most significant roles at that time. Interestingly enough, the film initially struggled in theaters but eventually gained cult status on home video.

If Liam Neeson had played the lead in “The Princess Bride,” it would have been a hilarious addition to his career, possibly opening doors for more comedic roles earlier on. However, since that didn’t happen, his upcoming role in “The Naked Gun” promises something fresh and exciting, suggesting that Liam Neeson’s versatility knows no bounds, except perhaps playing a giant.

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2025-07-09 21:07