First Bill Clinton, now Liam Neeson…
According to a new interview in Variety, HANGOVER II director Todd Phillips says that Liam Neeson’s much anticipated cameo in the movie has been completely cut. ÂÂÂ
Neeson had filmed scenes as a tattoo artist for the Bangkok-based sequel (hence Stu’s Mike Tyson-ish face tattoo). Reshoots needed to be done because Phillips cut the scene directly after the tattoo parlor and the film no longer had continuity without an explination. Sadly, Neeson’s scheduling conflicts kept him from coming back, and Nick Cassavetes, director of THE NOTEBOOK and ALPHA DOG stepped into the role. Phillips says:
“We were in a complete time crunch so I called up Nick and asked if he would do the part…He came in and crushed it and that is the scene that you will ultimately see in the film. [I’m excited for everyone] to see the film. It turned out great.”
Cassavetes is the third man cast for the small cameo. If you remember, the part originally belonged to Mel Gibson, but protests from certain members of the cast and crew led to the initial recasting.
I really kind of hope this (and Clinton not filming) are both jokes to keep people completely surprised when the movie actually opens, but sadly, I doubt that…
HANGOVER II comes to your theater May 16.