Liam Neeson Turned Down Darren Aronofsky’s Blockbuster ‘Noah’

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Liam Neeson is a seasoned actor who started his film career over four decades ago. He’s now famous for playing many leading roles. His breakout role was in Steven Spielberg’s Holocaust drama, Schindler’s List, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Since then, he’s become known for his action-hero characters, like those in the Taken series, and has provided voiceovers for popular films such as The Chronicles of Narnia, where he voiced the character Aslan.

Interestingly, not many people know that Liam Neeson declined a role in Darren Aronofsky’s highest-grossing film to date – “Noah.” This movie hit theaters on March 28, 2014. Drawn from the biblical tale of Noah’s Ark as found in the Book of Genesis, this Paramount Pictures production has amassed a global gross of $359.2 million, outperforming the box office collection of Neeson’s “Taken 3,” which was also released in the same year.

What Is ‘Noah’ About?

According to the narrative, Noah is tasked with constructing an ark at the behest of God, a vessel designed to protect Earth’s creatures as God unleashes floodwaters to purge the increasing wickedness among humans. In Darren Aronofsky’s film, Noah, the lead character, along with his wife, three sons, and adopted daughter, heed the divine instructions and commence building the ark. They receive assistance from the ‘Watchers’, a fallen race of angels who were initially created for good purposes but were punished by God due to their efforts to aid humanity.

Despite the task appearing straightforward for Noah, he encounters significant obstacles. The main adversary, Tubal-Cain, aims to seize control of the Ark before the flood. When Noah tells him that God will not spare the line of Cain during the flood, Tubal-Cain responds by preparing weapons to overcome the Watchers and Noah once the rains begin. This way, he intends to capture the Ark and survive the impending deluge.

In the midst of countless challenges, both personal and external from sources like Tubal-Cain and his family, Noah emerges as a tale about a flawed man who perseveres to fulfill God’s will in the best way he can. The distinct quality of the movie “Noah” comes from Darren Aronofsky’s incorporation of an action-packed plotline into the storyline, lending it a fresh and innovative feel.

Why Did Liam Neeson Turn ‘Noah’ Down?

Although the prospect and allure of the movie Noah intrigued him, Liam Neeson declined the film’s participation. The reason behind this decision was that he wasn’t offered the part of the leading character. Instead, director Darren Aronofsky proposed Liam Neeson to play Tubal-Cain, the main antagonist in the movie. Given his recent success as the lead actor in the Taken series, it is possible that Neeson found the idea of portraying an antagonist rather than the leading protagonist a significant step down in terms of status and role significance.

In the movie “Noah”, it was Russell Crowe who portrayed the title character. His interpretation of the complex and troubled Noah resulted in an engaging performance that left audiences and critics in awe. Many have stated that Crowe’s talents made him one of the few actors capable of mastering the intensely demanding role that “Noah” required. In an interview with Den of Geek two years before the movie’s release, Liam Neeson expressed his initial reluctance to join the film, commenting on it later.

Nah, briefly I considered playing Noah in ‘Noah’s Ark’, but Russell Crowe seems to have that role locked down. They even offered me the part of his enemy, but I didn’t find it appealing. If you’re not Noah, what’s the point, right?” [Laughs]

Who Took on Liam Neeson’s Role in ‘Noah’?

Following Liam Neeson’s rejection, the part of Noah’s adversary in the biblical epic was instead offered to Ray Winstone, as reported by Deadline in 2012. Director Darren Aronofsky had a list of well-known candidates for the role, including Val Kilmer, but ultimately sought an actor with the raw intensity and physical presence needed to convincingly face off against Russell Crowe’s Noah character. It seems clear that Winstone fit the bill perfectly.

Initially, Winstone understood that he wouldn’t play the main character in the movie. Yet, when told he’d portray Tubal-Cain, he chuckled. But his amusement vanished upon learning that Darren Aronofsky would direct the project, as stated by Winstone himself.

After inquiring about my character, they revealed that I would portray Tubal-cain, a relative of the first Cain. This information caused another bout of laughter from me. Upon asking who the director was, they responded with Darren Aronofsky. At this point, my laughter subsided as I realized this project was going to be a heavy and intense production.

Although Liam Neeson turned down the role, portraying Tubal-Cain was far from simple, as reported by Winstone. He was cautioned right from the start that the shoot would be challenging, and director Aronofsky kept his word. This led to Winstone suffering a trapped nerve in his neck and an immobilized arm due to handling hammers and cudgels during filming.

Since Winstone’s portrayal of Tubal-Cain has left a lasting impression on viewers, it’s hard to envision any other actor stepping into those shoes for Noah. Although it would have been intriguing to witness Liam Neeson in the role, the movie’s success clearly indicates that the film didn’t need him to be a hit.

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2025-02-08 20:32