Liam Neeson is set to star in the action-packed thriller, *The Mongoose*, which is scheduled for release on 30th October. The film, directed by his long-time collaborator Mark Vanselow, showcases Neeson in the role of Ryan “Fang” Flanagan, a decorated combat veteran engaged in a high-stakes chase while being pursued by law enforcement.
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Despite portraying an experienced driver fleeing from the police in a sleek Shelby Super Snake, Neeson admits that in reality, he has little interest in cars. The 74-year-old Irish actor acknowledges that his own driving preferences are quite modest. “When I’m in my car and I’m on a highway, maximum speed, I get up to maybe 58 miles an hour,” Neeson shared, reflecting on his unremarkable driving habits. “I know nothing about cars. I have no interest in cars. I drive a black one in real life.”
*The Mongoose* continues Neeson’s tradition of starring in thrilling action films, which include notable titles like *Taken*, *Non-Stop*, and *The Grey*. However, he previously considered stepping back from such high-octane roles, expressing to PEOPLE magazine in October 2024 that he was wary of audiences believing him when it came to action scenes. “You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want Mark to be fighting my fight scenes for me,” he remarked at the time.
In this film, Neeson entrusted most of the high-speed sequences to a professional stunt team, although he did participate in a few driving scenes himself. “I did some myself, but it was kind of a cheat. Certainly not at speed,” he explained. Even while knowing that the stunt drivers were exceptionally skilled, Neeson admitted to feeling some anxiety during the intense moments, stating, “As I say, I’m not a car person. I’m not comfortable.”
Vanselow, who is making his feature directorial debut, has been a constant presence in Neeson’s career, having worked with him on 30 projects to date. He has previously served as Neeson’s stunt double and fight choreographer in films such as *A Million Ways to Die in the West*. Neeson expressed deep trust in Vanselow’s expertise, particularly regarding the driving sequences in *The Mongoose*. “I totally trusted Mark with all these driving sequences. It wasn’t him; we had these wonderful stunt drivers,” he remarked.
To highlight the challenges faced during production, Vanselow illustrated one particular scenario in which Neeson performed inside a moving vehicle while a stunt driver controlled its movements from the roof. “Imagine driving down a freeway, bobbing and weaving in and out of cars where you have no control over the car and you’re inside. That’s what Liam has to do a lot of the time while he’s acting,” he explained. The tension of such situations was palpable, as Vanselow noted the potential risks involved. “That’s frightening because you think, ‘Oh, I hope the car stops here.’ It does ultimately, but you never really know till it stops.”
In addition to the car chases, Neeson revealed that *The Mongoose* also includes exhilarating helicopter sequences. “I don’t want to describe it too much because I’d give the story away, but there is a very tight, tense helicopter scene involving the speeding car and a helicopter,” he teased, further piquing interest in the film’s action elements.
As fans eagerly await its release, *The Mongoose* promises to deliver the exhilarating thrills that have long been associated with Neeson’s filmography. The combination of Neeson’s experience, Vanselow’s direction, and proficient stunt work sets the stage for what could be another memorable entry in Neeson’s portfolio of action-oriented roles. The film will make its theatrical debut later this month, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a gripping tale of pursuit and survival.