Liam Neeson’s action franchise, known for its gripping themes and memorable quotes, is set to premiere on Hulu. “Taken” and its sequel, “Taken 2,” will be available for streaming starting January 1, 2026. However, the third film, “Taken 3,” will not be included in this lineup.
Overview of the “Taken” Franchise
The “Taken” film series, which began in 2008, has had a significant impact on action cinema. The original film was a massive success, grossing over $226 million worldwide. It garnered an average critic score of 60% and an audience score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Release Year: 2008
- Director: Pierre Morel
- Runtime: 94 minutes
- Producers: Luc Besson, Pierre-Ange Le Pogam
Performance of the Films
While the original film was well-received, its sequels struggled with ratings. Here’s a brief overview of their performances:
| Film | Box Office | Critics’ Score | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taken | $226 million | 60% | 85% |
| Taken 2 | $376 million | 22% | 52% |
| Taken 3 | $326 million | 13% | 43% |
Transition to Television
In 2017, the “Taken” story expanded into television. A series serving as an origin story for Neeson’s character, Bryan Mills, aired on NBC. However, the show faced challenges, receiving a low critics’ score of 32% and an audience score of 62%. Due to poor ratings, it was canceled after two seasons.
Cast of the TV Series
Clive Standen portrayed Bryan Mills in the series. Other notable cast members included:
- Jennifer Beals
- Gaius Charles
- Brooklyn Sudano
- Monique Gabriela Curnen
- Michael Irby
As fans eagerly await the arrival of the first two films on Hulu, the “Taken” franchise continues to be a significant part of Liam Neeson’s legacy in action cinema.
