Liam Neeson denies reports of conversion to Islam

Published January 16, 2015
Liam Neeson. – Photo credit: inquisitr.com
Liam Neeson. – Photo credit: inquisitr.com

Hollywood megastar Liam Neeson shot down all recent rumours about him considering converting to Islam, reported Al Arabiya News.

The rumours first came about in a 2012 The Sun article and recently started making rounds again when The Daily Mail last month revived the actor's old quote about the Islamic call to prayer getting 'into his spirit' while filming Taken 2 in Istanbul, Turkey.

However, while attending Taken 3 premiere in Dubai, the 62-year-old actor was keen to clear the air once and for all.

“No, I'm not converting [to Islam],” he said in an interview with Al Arabiya News on Monday.

Neeson clarified that he did not have a religious awakening, but rather learned to enjoy the Islamic prayer. “It’s funny; the first three or four days there it was an annoyance because it was waking me up. But later I looked forward to it every day.”

This was Neeson's first trip to the emirate and, according to Al Arabiya, Neeson's visit marks the first time a Hollywood actor has attended a Middle East film premiere outside of a film festival.

“It’s unbelievable, and this is the first premiere of its kind for me as I have none of my co-stars with me. This is my first time here and it has been wonderful," said Neeson. "I had heard about Dubai from various actors and actresses [who have attended] the Dubai International Film Festival, so I’d love to get an invite. And just from what I see them describe, you can make a cool film here. You really could."

Responding to whether there will be a fourth instalment of the series, the actor said: "Look, I feel it’s the end of the series – the poster’s tagline [‘It Ends Here’] even says it.

“Of course I’d really love to shoot a picture in Dubai – maybe not Taken 4, or 5 or 6 – but something else.”

Taken 3 has held its own as No. 1 the box office, bringing in more than $40 million this past weekend.

Neeson further said that he believes the reason for the trilogy's success is due to its many fans.

"Certainly since the success of the first one, the fan base has gone from old ages to eleven and twelve-year-old boys and girls. It's been very touching."

"It's all about the fans," Neeson added.

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