Liam Neeson Voices Concerns Over the Future of Cinema Amid Streaming Shift
Liam Neeson, a veteran actor with a career spanning nearly five decades, has expressed apprehension about the evolving landscape of the film industry, particularly the increasing trend of films bypassing traditional theatrical releases in favor of streaming platforms. The 73-year-old actor shared his concerns while promoting his latest film, Cold Storage.
Concerns About Hollywood’s Direction
“The movie industry is changing, streaming services are merging, companies are being bought out,” Neeson stated. “We’re all very concerned about the state of Hollywood. What’s going to happen to feature films?” [IMDb]
Neeson, known for iconic roles in films like Schindler’s List and Michael Collins, acknowledged the inherent challenges of the acting profession. He reflected on his own fortunate career path, while recognizing the struggles faced by many of his peers.
“I’ve been very, very lucky,” he said. “I have friends and acquaintances, actors, some of whom haven’t worked for months and months. It’s a profession filled with rejection. It really is.”
He recounted the types of criticisms actors often face early in their careers, such as being told they are “not right,” their accent needs changing, or their physical appearance doesn’t fit a role. Despite these challenges, Neeson emphasized his gratitude for the opportunities he’s received.
Cold Storage and Collaborative Spirit
Neeson recently starred in the action-comedy The Naked Gun alongside Pamela Anderson and has three other films awaiting release. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with both established and emerging talent.
“I’d love the chance to work with up-and-coming directors,” he said. “I may be a little out of touch, but there just seems to be incredible talent out there.”
He specifically praised his Cold Storage co-stars, Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell, highlighting their inspiring on-screen chemistry. [Wikipedia]
“I didn’t know Joe’s work, I may have seen a couple of early episodes of Stranger Things. Georgina, I didn’t know at all,” Neeson said. “They were just terrific to work with. They inspired me and gave me a sense of the pace my character should speak at.”
He noted that his lines often involved complex scientific terminology related to bioterrorism, but working with Keery and Campbell on the first day of filming significantly influenced his performance.
About Cold Storage
Directed by Jonny Campbell and written by David Koepp, Cold Storage centers on the efforts to contain a parasitic fungus that has escaped from an abandoned military base. The film stars Georgina Campbell, Joe Keery, Sosie Bacon, Vanessa Redgrave, Lesley Manville and Liam Neeson. [Wikipedia]
Keery and Campbell play Teacake and Naomi, two employees of a self-storage facility built on the site of the former military base, who assist Neeson’s character, Robert Quinn, in preventing a catastrophic extinction event.
Cold Storage was first released in Mexico and Brazil on January 29, 2026, and in the United States on February 13, 2026. StudioCanal is releasing the film in France on February 18, 2026, and in Germany on February 19, 2026. [Wikipedia] The film has a running time of 99 minutes.