Liam Neeson Goes Gatsby in New Comedy as A-List Cast Joins the Party

Here’s one for your 'Wait, Liam Neeson is doing what now?' file: the action legend is set to star in a new comedy called 'The Splendid Thing' — and if that title sounds mysterious, just wait till you hear what the movie’s actually about.

Liam Neeson: From Taken to... The Great Gatsby (Basically)

We mostly know Neeson these days as the guy who’s either saving someone or seeking revenge in icy landscapes (see: 2024’s 'Absolution', 2025’s 'Ice Road: Vengeance', and the upcoming 'Cold Storage'), but he’s not a stranger to funny roles either. Remember the recent reboot of 'The Naked Gun'? That was him. I know, it’s still weird.

In 'The Splendid Thing', Neeson is apparently channeling a “Great Gatsby-type” character, which could mean anything from charming to dangerously aloof. Here’s the real kicker: his character shows up and, get this, punches the main guy so hard he ends up in the hospital.

So What Is 'The Splendid Thing' Actually About?

The brains behind this one is Matthew Modine—yep, the actor from 'Full Metal Jacket' and 'Stranger Things'. Not only is he directing, but he’s acting too, playing Declan King, a famous novelist whose life and writing have gone off the rails after his wife walked out. His agent, running low on patience, sends him off on a book-signing tour across Europe. Sounds wholesome, right? Nope.

Suddenly, characters from Declan’s old books start popping up in real life. Like, literally. This is where Neeson’s Gatsby-ish character makes his entrance (and Declan’s hospital visit). John Cleese is also on board—he’s playing a priest who moonlights as, of all things, the Grim Reaper. Yes, seriously.

Here’s The Core Setup:

• Matthew Modine — Director, co-writer, and star, plays writer Declan King
• Liam Neeson — The mysterious Gatsby-like character, not afraid to throw a punch
• John Cleese — A priest/Grim Reaper, because why not?
• More cast announcements are apparently coming soon
• Script by Modine & Stephen Wallis
• Producers: Natalie Marciano and Brian Williams; Exec producers: Ashok Amriraj, Priya Amritraj, and James Steele
• The project is being shopped around at Cannes

What the Director's Saying

Modine sounds pretty hyped about how things are shaping up. According to him:

Last Thoughts

If 'The Splendid Thing' sounds wild, you’re not wrong. Neeson as a Gatsby punch-thrower, John Cleese as the afterlife’s clergy, writers’ abandoned novels springing to life? It’s all happening, apparently, and the mix of rom-com, drama, and fantasy is weird enough to make this one worth watching for the curiosity factor alone. We'll see if more big names sign on as the project ramps up at the Cannes market.