“I cannot be him”: 12 years ago, how Liam Neeson missed a role that could have asserted the Oscar for best actor

It is difficult to imagine Steven Spielberg's film Lincoln without the acclaimed performance by Daniel Day-Lewis. However, the latter would not have joined the project if Liam Neeson had not chosen to withdraw voluntarily. But why would an actor give up such a prestigious role? In an interview with GQ in 2014, Liam Neeson came back to the moment he understood that he was not the best choice to play Abraham Lincoln.

Indeed, as collider recalled, Liam Neeson had prepared for assuming the heavy task of embodying the 16th American president under the direction of Spielberg for almost ten years, in what would have been their reunion worthy of Schindler's list. Until the day he voluntarily gave up his dream of embodying the one that was nicknamed “Honest Abe” because of his reserves as to his capacities and changes in the structure of the film. It therefore took advantage of Daniel Day-Lewis Who ended up delivering, in 2012, one of his Oscar -winning performances.

As explained Liam Neeson,, Steven Spielberg had contacted him for the first time almost a decade before the production of the film, in order to interpret a first version of the role of Lincoln. He devoted four years to research to embody this character in what he describes as “Classic and remarkable biography of Lincoln”, Covering the period from his inauguration to his death. However, after the scriptwriter Tony Kushner rewritten the script, the film refocused only over the last four months of the life of the president, during which he tried to have the 13th amendment adopted by the House of Representatives.

He could have been a great Abraham Lincoln

The striking collaboration between Steven Spielberg And Liam Neeson In Schindler's list Could have been the starting point for a sustainable partnership. However, their association was limited to this poignant drama on the holocaust, which won the Oscar for the best film in 1993. This role revealed Neeson to the general public, worth an appointment to the Oscars for his interpretation of Oskar Schindler. However, despite this recognition, a second appointment still escapes him to this day.

Universal Pictures

Before becoming the favorite actor of Jaume Collet-Serra, Liam Neeson seemed to be very suitable to embody a historic figure of Lincoln's caliber. After its striking role in Schindler's listhe imposed himself in the 1990s as an emblematic face of historical cinema, interpreting the main characters of Rob Roy and Michael Collins. Its imposing look and its serious charisma have also brought a certain nobility to superproductions like Star Wars: episode I – The ghost threat or Batman Begins. Against all odds, it was in the fifties that he converted to the active film, gradually abandoning his austere image. Today, he is even preparing to play the main role in the remake of cult comedy is there a cop to save the world?, Or The Naked Gun of its original title.

Paramount pictures

Difficult awareness

Faced with GQ, Liam Neeson evoked the moment when Steven Spielberg had contacted him to play Abraham Lincoln in one of his cinematographic projects. Fascinated by the scale of the character, Neeson had then devoted himself intensely, for almost four years, to the study of books and historical archives on Lincoln.

However, an important turning point took place when Tony Kushner was responsible for reworking the script, this time based on biography Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. By choosing not to trace all the life of Lincoln, Spielberg and Kushner made a daring but judicious bet. This approach allowed the film to distinguish itself from the many classic historical accounts often reduced to encyclopedic reconstructions. The complexity of the presidency – and even more of life – by Lincoln indeed exceeds the framework of a simple film.

Liam Neeson was initially interested in the idea of ​​shooting a classic biopic on the president. Thus, the change of orientation of the project destabilized him. During a reading of the scenario, he felt a deep discomfort.

“” “We started reading, there was an introduction, then I see 'Lincoln' and I have to start talking, and there, a flash of genius. I said to myself: 'I am not supposed to be there. It's over. I exceeded my deadline for consumption. I don't want to play this Lincoln. I can't be him '“Said Neeson.

20th Century Fox

He described the shock felt by seeing the name “Lincoln” inscribed in the scenario, revealing a lack of emotional connection with this version of the story. He also admitted to having been uncomfortable in the face of compliments on his ability supposed to play the role. Finally, the actor admitted that he did not feel able to meet expectations and decided to withdraw from the project, informing Steven Spielberg of his choice.

He explained: “I read very badly, in every way, but afterwards, some have approached me and said to me: 'Oh, you are made to play Lincoln.' I was embarrassed. Afterwards, Steven came and I said to him: 'Steven, you have to redistribute the roles now.' He replied, 'What are you talking about?' I replied: 'I am serious. You have to redistribute the roles. ' So I went home and, that evening, I called [Doris Kearns Goodwin] To discuss a little. Then I called Steven and I said to him: 'Steven, it's not for me. I can't explain it. It's over. It's not … 'and he understood. He said, 'Okay.' And that's it.»

Another chance of interpreting Lincoln?

Liam Neeson admitted that he would one day like to embody Abraham Lincoln in a more classic biographical film: “I would always like to make the story of Lincoln“He conceded.”I think that [Lincoln, le film] Show it, yes, but I think that I would still like to make an old -fashioned biography of Lincoln.»

However, he expressed his admiration for the performance of his colleague from Gangs of New York: “It's Abraham Lincoln, p *****. It's perfect”He said with emotion speaking of Daniel Day-Lewiswhose president's interpretation is based on a rare talent to slip entirely into the shoes of historical or fictitious figures, the fruit of several years of meticulous preparation. If today we cannot imagine another actor to incarnate Lincoln in this film in particular, we must admit that with its impressive 1.93 meter size, Liam Neeson nevertheless owned the ideal build to embody the slender silhouette of Lincoln.

20th Century Fox

Sudden awareness of Liam Neesonwhich did not feel up to the task to embody this role, marked an important change in its professional trajectory. Rather than pursuing roles focused on the deep speeches of Tony Kushneron leadership and freedom, he turned to characters motivated by revenge against the terrorists. Unlike many actors who cling to their past successes, Neeson has been able to evolve with his time. His performance as Frank Drebin Jr. in the recent Is there a cop to save the world? perfectly illustrates his ability to step back and parody his own role.

Lincoln (2012) is available in VOD. As for Liam Neeson, we can therefore find him in is there a cop to save the world? which will be released in our rooms on August 6, 2025.