However, instead of taking things up a notch like Taken 2 had done, the third film in the franchise wound up being unable to match its predecessor, though it did not fall short by a staggering amount.Īfter the success of the films, the franchise eventually expanded to the small screen with the series Taken, which featured a younger Bryan Mills and did not involve Liam Neeson. Taken 3 would be able to haul in $326 million at the global box office, making it yet another success for the franchise. For his efforts in the third film, Liam Neeson was being compensated with a $20 million salary, effectively placing him with true A-list talent in terms of compensation. Just two years after the release of Taken 2, the third and final film in the trilogy was gearing up for release. Related: Nick Jonas To Star In New Action Film From ‘Taken’ Director This was a nice jump in overall gross for the studio, and it certainly planted the idea that a third film in the franchise would offer a similar type of box office victory. Low and behold, Taken 2 would outdo its predecessor after grossing $376 million at the box office. This $15 million salary was more in line with huge action stars and it showed that the studio had the utmost faith that the project was going to be a success.
He was, after all, the most important performer involved, and the success of the first film all but guaranteed to see the acclaimed actor take his salary to another level with the sequel.Īccording to Celebrity Net Worth, Liam Neeson would be able to add an additional $10 million onto what he made for the first Taken film. Thanks to the success of the first film, Liam Neeson was in line to get a massive payday from the studio. Once news broke that the project was a go, it was only a matter of time before the studio had another hit on their hands. It didn’t take long for the studio to get a second Taken film in the works, and there was a lot of anticipation from fans to see the next chapter in Bryan Mills’ story. Related: Christian Bale’s Best Movies According To IMDb Sure, the studio could have kept things simple with one film, but if there is a dollar to be made, then Hollywood is going to be all over it. Despite this, $5 million was a nice starting point for Neeson’s salary and things would only improve once the franchise took off at the box office.Īccording to Box Office Mojo, Taken would generate $226 million at the global box office, making it a success that warranted an immediate sequel being made. We have seen action stars in the past command a larger initial salary, but no one could have predicted what the franchise would become. So, when looking for a guy to anchor Taken, it makes sense that he was a prime candidate for the lead.Īccording to Celebrity Net Worth, Liam Neeson was paid $5 million for his role in Taken.
#Whats the story of taken 2 movie movie#
Having been in films like Schindler’s List, The Phantom Menace, and Gangs of New York, it was clear that movie studios had a long seen the value that Liam Neeson brings to any production.
Not only had he landed roles in hit projects throughout the years, but he had also found himself nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in 1994’s Schindler‘s List. Prior to the release of the 2008 film Taken, Liam Neeson had put together quite an impressive career for himself in the movie business.