Liam Neeson reveals why he turned down role of James Bond in 'GoldenEye'

Nearly two decades ago, Liam Neeson was up for the role of James Bond in GoldenEye (1995). Neeson's attachment to the project is not news, but the actor had never revealed why he turned down the part until now.

Neeson told Hull Daily Mail during an interview to promote his new movie Non-Stop that his then-girlfriend and soon-to-be wife Natasha Richardson, who unfortunately has since passed away, actually had significant concerns about his taking the part of 007 in the movie.

"'I was heavily courted, let's put it that way, and I'm sure some other actors were too,' says Neeson, as he chews thoughtfully on a toothpick and rests his long limbs on an armchair. 

'It was about 18 or 19 years ago and my wife-to-be said, 'If you play James Bond we're not getting married!' And I had to take that on board, because I did want to marry her,' he recalls, smiling."

Well, if there's a better reason to turn down a part than that, then we don't know what it is.

Neeson was also nominated around that time for an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List (1993). The Irish actor did not win, though, as Tom Hanks won for his role as Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia.

Other names producers looked at included Mel Gibson, Hugh Grant, Sam Neill and Lambert Wilson. The role, of course, went to Pierce Bronsan.

What do you think of Neeson's story? Let us know in the comments below.