Liam Neeson Agreed To Taken 3 Under One Condition

On the surface, it would appear that a "Taken" film where no one gets taken doesn't make a lot of sense. It would be like if there were a "Star Wars" film without any wars among the stars. However, that's apparently what star Liam Neeson wanted to do in order to keep the franchise fresh. As the actor told UK talk show host Jonathan Ross, "They called me up, and I said, 'I'll do it ... but only as long as nobody gets taken'" (via IndieWire). He doesn't elaborate on why he wanted everyone to remain where they were for the threequel, but screenwriters Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen managed to squeeze out another scenario where Bryan Mills has to showcase his special skills. 

Another reason why Neeson was probably receptive to a third "Taken" movie? The paycheck. 

Before "Taken 2" came out, Neeson was skeptical of a third installment, saying, "I can't see a possible scenario where audiences wouldn't go, 'Oh, come on...! She's taken again?'" But then he was offered $20 million to appear in the next "Taken" movie, and that kind of money will probably change one's tune.

"Taken 4" seems unlikely to happen, but at least action fans have a complete trilogy they can pop into their DVD players whenever they want to see Neeson laying down the hurt.