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Liam Neeson Latest to Be Drafted into Peter Berg's Battleship

by
September 7, 2010
Source: Deadline

Liam Neeson

It looks like all that action and ass-kicking in Taken might have knocked a screw loose in the head of Liam Neeson. After having some fun in the surprise action hit, Neeson seems to have taken a liking to senseless action with recent roles in blockbusters like A-Team and Clash of the Titans. Now it looks like we can add another one to the list as Deadline reports Neeson has joined the ranks of Peter Berg's nautical board game adaptation Battleship. With a strange cast that already includes Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgaard and chart-topping singer Rihanna, many are already anticipating this will sink at the summer 2012 box office.

As we discussed back in August, this film is a huge risk for Universal as they're dropping roughly over $200 million on it. That's a hell of an undertaking for a studio whose only movie that has exceeded any box office expectations this year (so far) was Despicable Me (though Scott Pilgrim vs. The World should've succeeded as well). Not only is there a risk of a tired audience sick of toy and board game adaptations making their way to theaters, but I don't think there are many people who believe that Battleship can be turned into a decent summer blockbuster. Even if it does turn out well, it's ridiculous that it couldn't stand on its own without the brand recognition from the board game, but of course that's Hollywood (and specifically Universal) for you.

The project is now shooting in Hawaii and will see Neeson playing Admiral Shane, the Naval officer whose daughter (played by Brooklyn Decker) is engaged to a young naval officer (Kitsch). Meanwhile, Skarsgaard plays Kitsch's older brother, while Rihanna plays Kitsch's crew mate and a weapons specialist (yeah, that's believable). All of the characters have some role in a story that f

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14 Comments

1

it seems to be getting better and better with every casting announcement. Neeson seems to be taking a break from his usual roles.

Xerxex on Sep 7, 2010

2

what the hell - the guy who played rob roy and michael collins - the guy who starred in schindlers list! - the guy who was GREAT in K19 and batman begins - the guy who kicked ass in taken -..........has decided to take a role in battleship????........... has liam neeson gone insane? or maybe he's adopted samuel jacksons trend of doing ANY movie offered - regardless of how idiotic it sounds.

beavis on Sep 7, 2010

3

I think he's just trying to keep busy and keep his mind occupied with easy, fun busywork after the death of his wife.

hector on Sep 7, 2010

4

he did a team lol and clash

nelson on Sep 7, 2010

5

Agreed hector.

Cody w on Sep 7, 2010

6

I know the man - LN that is...he has 11 items in works for next year...I'll surely say he is keeping busy after his wife's death.

Dan the Man on Sep 7, 2010

7

last night i dreamed he died! it was crazy

doomcanoe on Sep 7, 2010

8

Wow. Liam Neeson is in it? Perhaps this is a movie to watch. ======================= "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse." -Don Vito Corleone, Godfather (1972) Watch movies online for free here:Movies Online

Eula on Sep 7, 2010

9

I think it's cool that Neeson has joined the cast. The fate of the flick, "Battleship", remains to be seen and I won't speculate or knock the idea. I do think that Neeson is still coping with the sudden loss of his wife and is surely keeping distracted with roles like these. I'm sure he's balancing things out as he sees fit. I would be careful to use the phrase: "knocked a screw loose in his head", when referring to Neeson--and knowing what he's personally been through as of late! I can sure say, that Neeson in the cast has surely boosted the potential of this flick.

Spider on Sep 7, 2010

10

Alexander Skarsgard + Liam Neeson = a film that I will watch no matter how shitty.

carlos on Sep 7, 2010

11

well it all depends on who is directing... this could be good if its a good director.

richard on Sep 7, 2010

12

Why Liam, this movie sounds so ridiculous.

T on Sep 8, 2010

13

Peter Berg - give us Lone Survivor like you promised.

CHACK on Sep 8, 2010

14

"With a strange cast that already includes Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgaard and chart-topping singer Rihanna, many are already anticipating this will sink at the summer 2012 box office." Duh gee....ya think??????

blasphemer on Sep 10, 2010

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