Liam Neeson Talks Returning for Sam Raimi’s DARKMAN Sequel and It Sounds Like He’s Game

Fans of cult superhero cinema were caught off guard when news broke that Darkman is getting a sequel. With Sam Raimi moving ahead on a follow-up to his 1990 revenge thriller, the big question on everyone’s mind has been… will Liam Neeson return?

Right now, the answer is a big question mark.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Neeson revealed that he hasn’t been contacted about the new movie at all. While Raimi is reportedly moving forward with the project, Neeson confirmed he hasn’t had any conversations with the director about stepping back into the bandages of Dr. Peyton Westlake.

What makes this even more interesting is that Neeson didn’t even realize the newly announced film is meant to be a direct sequel to the original. He referenced the two direct-to-video follow-ups that were produced without him and made it clear he wasn’t involved in those either.

Still, before anyone panics, there’s a silver lining here.

Even though he hasn’t been approached, Neeson sounds open to the idea of returning. He made it clear that working with Raimi again would be something he’d welcome. As Neeson put it, “I’d love to work with Sam.”

That’s a pretty great place to start.

Released in 1990, Darkman marked Raimi’s foray into the superhero genre before he ever swung into the mainstream with Spider-Man. The film starred Neeson as Dr. Peyton Westlake, a brilliant scientist who is savagely attacked and left horribly burned after his girlfriend uncovers corruption tied to a ruthless real estate developer.

After surviving the assault, Westlake undergoes an experimental procedure that eliminates his ability to feel pain and enhances his physical strength, turning him into a tragic, rage-fueled vigilante.

The movie built a strong cult following thanks to Raimi’s kinetic style and Neeson’s intense performance. While two sequels were made later, neither featured Neeson in the lead role.

Now, decades later, Raimi is circling back to the character. He confirmed in late January that a script for the new installment has already been completed. His production company, Ghost House Pictures, is backing the project, though story details are being kept tightly under wraps.

That leaves us in an interesting spot. Raimi has a script. The studio backing is there. Neeson says he’d love to reunite with Raimi. But no one has picked up the phone yet.

Whether this new Darkman sequel brings back the original star or reinvents the character for a new generation remains to be seen. But if Raimi is serious about honoring the legacy of the original, getting Neeson involved feels like the obvious move.

For now, fans can only wait and hope that Westlake gets one more shot at revenge, with Neeson back under the bandages where he belongs.