More than a decade after its release, Liam Neeson’s crime thriller A Walk Among Tombstones has surged in popularity on streaming services, currently ranking as one of the most-watched films on Paramount+. This psychological thriller, released in 2014, stars Neeson as Matthew Scudder, a private investigator hired by a drug kingpin to uncover the identity of his wife’s murderer. The movie’s resurgence reflects the ongoing appeal of Neeson’s work in the action and thriller genres.
The film features a notable ensemble cast, including Dan Stevens, David Harbour, and Boyd Holbrook. At the time of writing, A Walk Among Tombstones holds a spot at number eight on Paramount+’s popular movies list. Critics gave the film a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience scores were more divided at 53%. Financially, the movie performed solidly, grossing $58 million worldwide against its $28 million production budget.
Production Insights and Character Changes
Although Ruth Wilson was initially cast as Jo Durkin, Matthew Scudder’s partner in the film, her scenes were ultimately cut by director Scott Frank. Frank explained that he felt Neeson’s character was more effective as a solitary figure rather than part of a duo. This creative decision shaped the film’s tone as a more solitary investigation story.
It is also notable that the character of Matthew Scudder has appeared in other films, including 8 Million Ways to Die, where Jeff Bridges portrayed the detective. Both movies draw inspiration from Lawrence Block’s well-regarded novel series. A Walk Among Tombstones managed to recoup its costs and break even before its theatrical release, largely due to Neeson’s strong reputation at film markets and festivals.
Upcoming Projects Highlight Neeson’s Continuing Career
Liam Neeson is set to return to theaters in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun, scheduled for release on August 1. In this new film, Neeson portrays Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the iconic Frank Drebin played by Leslie Nielsen in the original series. The cast includes Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, and Cody Rhodes, supported by a script from Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, and director Akiva Schaffer.
Recently, Neeson reprised his role as Mike McCann in Ice Road: Vengeance, which has been made available on video on demand. As A Walk Among Tombstones continues to attract viewers worldwide, the actor’s enduring appeal in action and thriller roles remains clear.
Key Players in A Walk Among Tombstones
The film’s main cast features Liam Neeson as Matthew Scudder, Dan Stevens as Kenny Kristo, David Harbour as Ray, and Boyd Holbrook as Peter Kristo. Their performances contribute to the film’s tense and atmospheric storytelling, bringing Lawrence Block’s novels to life on screen.
A Walk Among Tombstones’ streaming success on Paramount+ highlights Liam Neeson’s ability to captivate audiences even years after a film’s debut. As more viewers discover or revisit this suspenseful tale, it reinforces Neeson’s status as a leading figure in the thriller and action genres, setting the stage for his upcoming cinematic projects.
