How Liam Neeson, Laura Dern came to be part of Cold Pursuit

Hans Petter Moland’s Cold Pursuit is one of the most awaited films thanks to its terrific cast. The film stars Liam Neeson and Laura Dern. In an interview, Moland says that there was a lot of thought process behind the casting of each character.

Talking about casting Neeson, Moland says, “That was Michael Shamberg’s (producer) suggestion. Michael had worked with Liam before and he told me he is a terrific guy. I mean I know he is a terrific actor. In the original film, the character’s played by Stellan Skarsgard, who is a wonderful actor as well so he had to be somebody really exceptional. I thought Liam was you know a good suggestion. I met Liam and we found a good town and we have had a great time since. He’s a wonderful man to work with. He’s extremely generous with his talent and his experience…very devoted to the project. So, I feel like I really have had somebody who’s been standing shoulder to shoulder while we’ve been roughing it in Alberta’s mountains etc.”

In fact, the film also stars Neeson’s son Micheal Richardson. Talking about that casting decision, Neeson says, “I am not sure who suggested it and I didn’t know Micheal before. But I said sure let’s try it, you know we cast some other boys as well. And I met with Micheal and Micheal was very candid. He said, “You know I appreciate you wanting to let me audition but I want you to know this I don’t want it because I’m Liam’s son.’ But he did a great job you know in the audition and so that’s how it came about. He’s done a wonderful job. You know it’s not easy to become an actor in your early twenties and have a legendary father. So, I think his he’s held his own and has all the reasons to be proud of what he’s been doing.”

Meanwhile, Moland considers himself lucky to have got the chance to work with Dern, “I feel really lucky to be able to work with Laura Dern. I’ve seen her in movies that I truly admire and you know she’s a big movie star to me so the chance to be able to work with her…and she very down to earth and very kind and fun to be with so that’s it’s been a total pleasure,” he says.

Director Hans Petter Moland’s Cold Pursuit starring  Liam Neeson,Tom Bateman, Tom Jackson,  Emmy Rossum,  Domenick Lombardozzi,  Julia Jones and John Doman to release on 8th February in India by PVR PICTURES.