Liam Neeson is probably one of the most loved and popular action heroes of Hollywood. In a recent interview, the actor revealed that he was initially in talks to play the iconic spy James Bond, but it all came down to his wife, Natasha Richardson, who threatened to leave him if he took up the offer. The role eventually went to Daniel Craig who took it over from Pierce Brosnan.
In the interview, Neeson said, “I know the Broccolis. They looked at a bunch of actors. Schindler’s List had come out and Barbara (Broccoli) had called me a couple of times to ask if I was interested, and I said, ‘Yes, I would be interested.’ And then my lovely wife (Natasha Richardson), God rest her soul, said to me while we were shooting Nell down in the Carolinas, ‘Liam, I want to tell you something: If you play James Bond, we’re not getting married.' She gave me a James Bond ultimatum, and she meant it! Come on, there’s all those gorgeous girls in various countries getting into bed and getting out of bed. I’m sure a lot of her decision-making was based on that!”
Neeson revealed in the interview that he was contacted by producer Barbara Broccoli several times during the 1990s to take up the role of the British spy 007 created by author Ian Fleming. Neeson was approached during the time when he had received an Oscar nomination for his performance in Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List that was based on the Auschwitz Nazi camp. Apparently, Natasha had given him an ultimatum that made him say no to the role.
The role of James Bond finally went to Daniel Craig who played the iconic secret service agent in five films becoming the longest actor to play the part. He starred in Casino Royale (2006); Quantum of Solace (2008); Skyfall (2012); Spectre (2015); and No Time To Die (2021). Craig has also bid adieu to the role and the next Bond has not been announced yet.
(Source: Rolling Stone)
