The 2013 role Liam Neeson was jealous he never played: “I would have loved to”
Liam Neeson has said that Robert Redford’s role in the 2013 survival drama *All Is Lost* is the one recent part he wished he had played. His admission stands out because Neeson has generally said he has no regrets about roles he missed, including James Bond and a part in *The Lord of the Rings*.
Redford plays a sailor stranded alone in the Indian Ocean, with only 51 words of dialogue across the film. *All Is Lost* earned $13.6 million against an $8 million budget and brought Redford a Golden Globe nomination. Neeson, now 74, has at least seven films in the pipeline, mostly action thrillers, alongside the comedy mystery *4 Kids Walk Into a Bank*.
- Neeson envied Redford’s role in *All Is Lost*.
- The 2013 film gave its lone character just 51 words.
- Neeson has at least seven upcoming films.
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All Is Lost is a 2013 survival drama centred on a sailor stranded alone at sea in the Indian Ocean. The lead role, played by Robert Redford, is distinct because the character has almost no dialogue—speaking approximately 50 words across the entire film. The film earned Redford critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination.
Liam Neeson is an Irish actor known for action thrillers and dramatic roles. Over his career, he has often said in interviews that he harbours no regrets about major roles he did not secure, such as James Bond or a part in The Lord of the Rings.
What makes this noteworthy is the nature of Redford's role. Playing a character almost entirely alone, with minimal words but sustained dramatic presence throughout, represents a technically challenging and unusual kind of performance. This is the context in which Neeson's remarks about the role carry particular weight.