Liam Neeson Reveals Kangaroos Nearly Disrupted Filming of His New Action Movie in Australia (Exclusive)

Liam Neeson’s latest action-thriller, *The Mongoose*, has officially hit theatres today, marking a significant addition to the actor’s illustrious career. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, both Neeson and director Mark Vanselow shared intriguing insights about the filming process, including some unusual challenges they encountered during production in Australia.

While filming in Australia, the seasoned actor, now 74, revealed that he had to navigate safety concerns posed by the local wildlife, particularly kangaroos. “We saw a lot of them, yeah. Especially at dusk, driving back from set,” Neeson recounted, highlighting the dangers of kangaroos unexpectedly hopping across the roads during evening commutes. This unusual hazard added an extra layer of complexity to the filming experience in Australia.

Vanselow, who has worked as Neeson’s stunt double for several years, took up the directorial role for the first time with *The Mongoose*. He noted the constant risk the kangaroos presented during action sequences, especially on a track used for car scenes. “The kangaroos were everywhere, so we had to remain vigilant to ensure they didn’t jump in front of the vehicles while we were filming,” he explained.

In this high-octane thriller, Neeson plays Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, a decorated combat veteran wrongfully accused of murder and now on the run. The film features high-speed chases across the countryside, with Neeson navigating a Shelby Super Snake, a challenge for an actor who admits to having little interest in cars. “I’m just not into cars,” he confessed, yet found himself propelled into thrilling vehicle pursuits for the sake of his character.

As the lead actress, Marisa Tomei also features prominently alongside Neeson, and he had high praise for her talent. He described her as a “wonderful actress” who significantly enhanced the dynamic on set, pushing him to elevate his own performance. Together, they brought to life a gripping narrative intertwined with tension and drama.

Interestingly, while filming took place in the picturesque surroundings of Melbourne, the storyline for *The Mongoose* is set in the American states of Kentucky, Arkansas, and Texas. This discrepancy meant that any appearance of kangaroos in the final cut would create glaring continuity errors. “Having a kangaroo in shot would not be good,” Neeson remarked, chuckling about the potential blunders that could arise from the location.

Despite these challenges, the effort invested by the cast and crew shines through in the film. *The Mongoose* promises to deliver the thrills and action that fans have come to expect from Neeson’s projects, all while navigating the unexpected quirks of filming in Australia.

Having officially released in cinemas on October 30, the film has already garnered anticipation from audiences eager to see how Neeson and Tomei tackle their respective roles in this fast-paced narrative. As Neeson continues to branch out into new roles and stories, *The Mongoose* stands as a testament to his enduring appeal in the action genre.

As the film opens to the public, Neeson’s blend of charisma, experience, and vulnerability is set to captivate viewers once more. With both laughable behind-the-scenes anecdotes and intense action sequences, *The Mongoose* is prepared to make its mark on the big screen.