Taken 3: First Images And Plot Details

Until now, all we really knew about the plot of Taken 3 is that it would once again involve the very specifically skilled Brian Mills and his daughter but no actual Taking. Indeed, Neeson said he only signed on for the threequel on the provision that nobody was going to get Taken this time.

I do wonder if, though, if the title somehow will take on some clever new relevance. Probably not.

There are some new plot details at USA Today, accompanying the first official stills.

Neeson himself explains that this time, "I have to go on the run, I'll put it that way, from the not-so-lawful types and the lawful authorities. Bryan Mills served his country faithfully, but now even they are after him. They must not like me."

One of these lawful authorities is embodied by Forrest Whitaker, but unfortunately, the two actors - nor their two stunt doubles - get to go mano et mano. Whitaker jokes "That will have to wait until Taken 4."

I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up feeling a little bit Bourne and a little bit Fugitive. Neeson is acutely aware, of course, that the formula could wear thin, and soon.

"This time, no more traveling," he said "If my daughter was 'taken' again on a trip, Bryan Mills would have to be certifiably locked up for bad parenting."

Surely that was the perfect excuse for an Oscar Wilde, quote Liam? If Home Alone 2 can do it, why can't you? You're even Irish!

Taken 3 will be released in January, hopefully providing a bone-crunching palate cleanser after a few months of big awards contenders. It's got a lot to live up to where Taken 1 is concerned but I'm sure it can very easily leapfrog Taken 2.