Friday, December 26, 2025

Liam Neeson’s ‘Absolution’ Becomes Streaming Hit on Hulu Despite Box Office Flop Ahead of ‘The Naked Gun’ Release

Liam Neeson Absolution streaming success has emerged as the movie climbs Hulu’s charts months after underperforming at the box office. Directed by Hans Petter Moland, the action thriller was released last year but only recently gained traction among viewers since its debut on the Disney-owned streaming platform. Currently, Absolution ranks third in popularity on Hulu, trailing just behind newer titles like F Marry Kill and Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything.

The film follows Neeson as an aging gangster who tries to reconnect with his children and make amends for his past, only to find himself entangled once again in the dangerous criminal world. Despite disappointing box office returns of $4.2 million and mixed critical reception—holding a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 32% user score—the movie is finding a fresh audience through streaming that perhaps challenges its earlier critical responses.

Alongside Neeson, the cast features Yolonda Ross, Daniel Diemer, Javier Molina, Frankie Shaw, Ron Perlman, William Xifaras, Terrence Pulliam, and Josh Drennen, who together bring to life the film’s intense narrative focused on family ties and criminal threats.

Liam Neeson’s Upcoming Role in ‘The Naked Gun’ Adds to His Versatile Career

Following the streaming surge of Absolution, Liam Neeson is preparing to return to theaters in a very different role. He stars as Frank Drebin Jr. in the upcoming fourth installment of the spoof comedy series The Naked Gun. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, who co-wrote the script with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, this movie showcases Neeson’s shift toward slapstick humor, paying homage to the late Leslie Nielsen, the original comedic lead.

Liam Neeson
Image of: Liam Neeson

The film’s trailer has already attracted attention for Neeson’s portrayal of a character who is both accident-prone and comically intense. Supporting cast members include Pamela Anderson as Beth, Paul Walter Hauser as Capt. Ed Hocken Jr., Kevin Durand, and Danny Huston. Fans eager to see this blend of comedy and action can look forward to its theatrical release this August.

Context and Implications of ‘Absolution’s’ Streaming Success

The rise of Absolution on Hulu highlights how films can find new life through streaming platforms, even if they do not perform well commercially at first. This trend emphasizes the shifting dynamics of audiences’ viewing habits and the potential for a film’s reception to evolve over time. For Liam Neeson, whose career spans various genres from gritty action movies like Taken to lighter comedies, this success may also renew interest in his filmography as viewers anticipate his next project.

As the actor continues to take on diverse roles, Absolution’s growing streamer popularity might encourage studios to reconsider the way such mid-tier action thrillers are valued beyond their theatrical run. With The Naked Gun poised for release, Neeson’s versatility remains on full display, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences alike.