Franchise films are an amazing way to make bank at the box office, but getting one off of the ground is a bit of a challenge. Sure, franchises like the MCU, Star Wars, and the Fast & Furious have made it look easy, but there is simply no guarantee that something is going to blossom into a global sensation.
During the 2000s, Taken made its debut at the box office, and from there, fans were treated to a trilogy of films that chronicled the expertise of Bryan Mills. Liam Neeson was the man for the job, and thanks to the film being a success, the performer was able to make a pretty penny from the studio.
So, how much did Liam Neeson make for the Taken movies? In a shock to no one, he made millions.
He Was Paid $5 Million For Taken
Prior to the release of the 2008 film Taken, Liam Neeson had put together quite an impressive career for himself in the movie business. 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.
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. So, when looking for a guy to anchor Taken, it makes sense that he was a prime candidate for the lead.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Liam Neeson was paid $5 million for his role in Taken. We have seen action stars in the past command a larger initial salary, but no one could have predicted what the franchise would become. 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.
According 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. 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.
Taken 2 Nets Him $15 Million
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. 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.
Thanks to the success of the first film, Liam Neeson was in line to get a massive payday from the studio. 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.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Liam Neeson would be able to add an additional $10 million onto what he made for the first Taken film. 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.
Low and behold, Taken 2 would outdo its predecessor after grossing $376 million at the box office. 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.
He Capped Things Off With $20 Million For Taken 3
Just two years after the release of Taken 2, the third and final film in the trilogy was gearing up for release. 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.
Taken 3 would be able to haul in $326 million at the global box office, making it yet another success for the franchise. 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.
After 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. Fans have called for a fourth film, but Neeson himself would shut this down when speaking with Stephen Colbert.
The Taken franchise was successful on the big screen, and it did wonders for Liam Neeson’s bank account.
