Liam Neeson has returned to the action genre with Ice Road: Vengeance, marking his first leading sequel in over a decade. Released quietly in theaters on June 27, 2025, this film continues the story introduced in 2021’s Ice Road and represents a significant moment in Neeson’s career as a star known for intense, action-packed roles.
Known primarily for his breakout action franchise, Taken, Neeson has largely avoided sequels since the franchise’s final chapter, Taken 3, concluded in 2014. This new sequel highlights a notable shift, as it is only the third time Neeson reprises a lead role in a sequel, after the Taken films.
The Actor’s Unique Approach to Franchise Sequels
Although Liam Neeson remains synonymous with action movies, especially since his success with the Taken trilogy, he has consciously steered clear of franchise sequels for many years. Despite strong audience demand—as indicated by Taken 3’s box office numbers—a fourth installment in the Taken series has yet to enter production.
Discussions around sequels for Neeson’s other notable action hits, such as Non-Stop and Run All Night, also failed to move forward. This hesitance contrasts with other franchise activities where Neeson returned in less central roles; for instance, he lent his voice as Aslan in two sequels of The Chronicles of Narnia and made cameo appearances in Star Wars and The Dark Knight Rises, though these were not major sequel roles.
With Ice Road: Vengeance, Neeson steps back into the spotlight as the leading character, Mike McCann, reaffirming his connection to the action sequel format. This sequel represents only the sixth sequel role of his entire career and just the third in which he leads.
Ice Road: Vengeance’s Quiet Debut and Critical Reception
The sequel’s release came without much fanfare, debuting shortly after its trailer launch. However, it is already available digitally, enabling fans to watch from home. This film has been praised for delivering the qualities of a high-level Hollywood action blockbuster, appealing to loyal viewers of the genre.
“an overall excellent action film, with all the qualities of a Hollywood blockbuster”
—Ben Gibbons, Screen Rant
Liam Neeson stars alongside Fan Bingbing and Dhani, continuing the tense and thrilling narrative that built the first Ice Road movie’s reputation in 2021. His portrayal of truck driver Mike McCann anchors the film, offering the familiar rugged heroism audiences expect.
What Liam Neeson’s Next Steps May Entail
While Ice Road: Vengeance marks a return to sequels for Neeson, there are no announced plans for immediate follow-ups. The actor’s careful choices suggest he might maintain this measured pace with franchise films.
Looking forward, audiences have another potential franchise to anticipate with Neeson’s upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, which could open new doors for him in the realm of sequels and series if successful.
For now, Ice Road: Vengeance not only reestablishes Neeson’s presence in action sequels but also serves as a milestone highlighting his evolving career path beyond the Taken era.
