Neeson Seconds Ford in K-19

October 12, 2000
Intermedia Official Site

After a motorcycle accident nearly claimed his life, Liam Neeson has mended well enough that the burly actor's name is once again popping up in casting announcements. A rep for Neeson confirms to Mr. Showbiz that he'll be joining Harrison Ford in the submarine drama K-19. Another new development in the film is the titular addendum The Widowmaker, which drives home the thriller angle of the project. Neeson will play Ford's second-in-command aboard a crippled Russian nuclear sub. With an impending reactor meltdown and a kaput communications system, our plucky heroes must not only save their own skins, but must also prevent a Chernobyl-like catastrophe.

Expect realism on the set: K-19 is the first of many historical outdoor adventure projects from National Geographic Films, as an outgrowth of the documentaries, magazine articles, and expeditions that the National Geographic Society underwrites, Variety's Michael Fleming reports. Speaking of widow-makers, a wayward deer in upstate New York nearly did Neeson in on July 13. The actor's actress wife, Natasha Richardson, told W magazine that Neeson was lucky to be alive after the motorcycle accident, in which he suffered a broken pelvis. "The doctors kept saying, 'Thank God he's so strong and in such great shape.' Lesser mortals wouldn't have made it," Richardson told the magazine. "It looks like Liam will be able to be walking and even working by fall." The hearty Irish star underwent several surgeries to repair his pelvis and a fractured heel. "He's going to be fine and make a complete recovery," said Richardson. "He's not going to be disfigured, but believe it or not, it was a touch-and-go situation." The actor's rep happily also relates that Neeson, who's currently undergoing daily physical therapy, is expected to make a "100 percent recovery."

The accident looked to jeopardize Neeson's chances to work with Martin Scorsese in Gangs of New York, which began filming Sept. 18 in Italy. However, a Miramax spokesman confirms to Mr. Showbiz that Neeson is able-bodied enough to film the smallish part of Leonardo DiCaprio's papa a few weeks from now.

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