Liam Neeson has dropped out of a major movie project with Jeremy Irons about the saint who brought Christianity to Scotland - citing his grief following the death of his wife Natasha Richardson last year.

Richardson passed away in March following a skiing accident in Montreal, Canada.

Neeson had signed up to star in a new film by Scottish director Norman Stone, about legendary historical figure Saint Columba, but the moviemaker admits the 57 year old has now scrapped plans to appear in the historical drama.

Stone reveals that after Richardson's sudden death, he gave the actor several months to decide whether he wanted to continue with the role but Neeson felt he couldn't go ahead with the project.

He says, "It has been a difficult time for Liam. I think he would have been great in the film. We wanted him to play the part of King Aidan, who has fiery clashes with Columba (played by Irons). It would've been great to see him alongside Jeremy.

"The script was with him for several months and I understand he loved it. He has decided not to go ahead, which is a pity, but the decision was made after what has been a difficult time for him and I respect the circumstances. He is a truly great actor."

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2010/01/24/grieving_liam_neeson_drops_out_of_film_1

How sad. But it is probably best that he is stepping away from the limelight to grieve and spend more time with his sons. This has especially got to be a difficult time, as the one-year anniversary of Natasha's passing is not too far away (in March).

How sad. But it is probably best that he is stepping away from the limelight to grieve and spend more time with his sons. This has especially got to be a difficult time, as the one-year anniversary of Natasha's passing is not too far away (in March).


I have to agree, especially since her death was so sudden.

The circumstances surrounding her death also made no sense whatsoever. How could such a seemingly simple bump on the head lead to a serious head injury, especially on the bunny slope (please correct me if I'm wrong here).

BTW, one thing I did not know about Natasha until only somewhat recently was that she was the niece of Lynn Redgrave (whom I've seen on many celebrity game shows)

She wasn't wearing a helmet, and if she had, she still may be with us today. :(

I don't know Monika. I'm pretty sure there have been accounts where skiers died, even while wearing a helmet.

I don't know Monika. I'm pretty sure there have been accounts where skiers died, even while wearing a helmet.
That's a good point, and you're right. Sadly, I doubt if we'll ever really know the whole story. I remember hearing doctors at the time saying she didn't have a pre-existing condition, and that her passing was attributed solely to the accident. I've never skiied myself, so I don't know.

That's a good point, and you're right. Sadly, I doubt if we'll ever really know the whole story. I remember hearing doctors at the time saying she didn't have a pre-existing condition, and that her passing was attributed solely to the accident. I've never skiied myself, so I don't know.
The biggest reason for Natasha's death was her failure to seek immediate medical treatment. She rejected the idea that she needed to see a doctor and went to her room to lie down instead. By the time she realized her injury was serious enough to be treated by a doctor it was too late. :(

Head trauma can be very scary. What seems like something small could turn out to be life threatening. This news about Liam Neeson dropping out of another movie is heartbreaking, but it's nice to know that he's not the money-hungry type. It's rare in Hollywood to see couples who actually love each other and this proves that he loved Natasha Richardson deeply. You're right about the anniversary, Monika. March isn't that far away and it's hard to believe it's almost been a year. Seems like it's only been a few months. I'm sure that once the shock and grief lessens, he'll return to making movies. Hopefully the film producers can wait a while.