Lost in the flurry of stories about Liam Neeson’s most recent controversial comments is the fact that his most recent film “Cold Pursuit” opens today in North America. And honestly, there’s enough about the film, on its own, to merit conversation, without the aide (or detriment) of Neeson’s words. One of those conversations could be about director Hans Petter Moland, who is the latest European filmmaker to remake his own film in a new English-language adaptation. But alas, instead of talking about that difficulty, Moland has to talk about Neeson.
In a recent interview from the Berlin Film Festival, Moland was asked by THR what he thinks about the Neeson controversy, specifically in response to those who are calling the actor a “racist” after he admitted wanted to fight a Black person decades ago after learning of his friend’s sexual assault.
“I know Liam is not a racist,” Moland said. “From my experience though, he is extremely honest —even at his own expense.”
Unfortunately, this controversy came about the week before the film is set to release in theaters, leaving many to wonder if Neeson’s comments will lead to a negative effect on the box office. However, THR also spoke to someone distributing “Cold Pursuit” overseas and asked if he believes there will be blowback from outraged fans who don’t want to watch the new action film.
READ MORE: ‘Cold Pursuit’ Is ‘Taken’ In The Winter, But With A Meaner Streak Of Laughs [Review]
Adolfo Blanco, whose A Contracorriente will distribute “Cold Pursuit” in Spain, said, “We are delighted with the film. Audiences won’t really care [about the scandal]. The film will succeed or fail on its own merits.”
We shall see if American audiences will come out to support Neeson this weekend, as “Cold Pursuit” is now in theaters.