Liam Neeson Reveals the Directors He Loves Working With the Most

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Liam Neeson has had an incredible career, evolving from a rising star in the 1980s into a worldwide name known for both serious dramatic roles and thrilling action films. Before becoming famous for movies like Taken or his portrayal of Oskar Schindler, he built his skills in films such as The Bounty and The Mission. These early performances led to a successful period with roles in Nell, Rob Roy, and Michael Collins, solidifying his reputation as one of the most highly regarded actors of our time.

Liam Neeson recently spoke with IndieWire about the filmmakers who’ve influenced his career over the past forty years. He especially praised his working relationship with director Neil Jordan, with whom he’s made four films, including the historical drama Michael Collins and the 2022 mystery Marlowe. Neeson mentioned that he and Jordan are planning to work together again later this year, continuing a long-standing creative partnership based on trust.

The actor also spoke highly of Steven Spielberg, his director on the iconic film Schindler’s List, calling him a truly exceptional filmmaker and one of the most talented people he’s ever worked with. He fondly remembered collaborating with Peter Mullan on the 1990 film The Big Man, and also shared positive experiences working with Kathryn Bigelow on the submarine thriller K-19: The Widowmaker.

Looking back on his career, Liam Neeson said he’d like to see more women directing movies. He’s worked on over a hundred films, but only with a handful of female directors, including Kathryn Bigelow and Angela Pope. He described working with Bigelow over twenty years ago as a wonderful experience and hopes there will be more chances for women to direct major films in the future.

The actor often spoke about the important role his early mentor, director John Boorman (known for Excalibur), played in his development. Neeson described Boorman as a generous teacher who actively helped young actors – including Gabriel Byrne and Ciarán Hinds – understand all aspects of filmmaking. Boorman would explain his creative choices and the technical reasons behind each shot, giving them practical, hands-on experience that Neeson still uses in his work today.

At 73, the actor continues to thrive, recently proving his comedic talent in a new role. His 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun, where he plays Frank Drebin Jr., was a surprising success and even won a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Comedy.

He’ll next appear in the sci-fi thriller Cold Storage, which opens in U.S. theaters on February 13, 2026. The film features Neeson, Joe Keery, and Georgina Campbell in a race against time to stop a dangerous, mind-controlling fungus.

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2026-02-10 21:45