“BATTLESHIP”- Actor Liam Neeson made proud by real-life war hero co-star

In the Hawaiian Islands, an international naval fleet at Pearl Harbor engage in a dynamic and intense battle against an alien species known as "The Regents". The aliens come to planet Earth on a mission to build a power source in the ocean. Upon their visit, they come in contact with the naval fleet’s “Battleship.”

The man running the show in Oahu is played by action star Liam Neeson, who was brought aboard to serve as Commander of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Shane—Hopper, Stone and Raikes’ CO (and Sam’s father).  The performer explains his interest in the project: “The foundation stone is the script, and this one was a real page-turner.  That’s the litmus test.  If I’m reading through it, and I’m suddenly at page 78 and haven’t stopped for a cup of tea or a glass of water, it’s got me…..  It’s got thrills and spills and very good character development, too.” 

No stranger to playing tough guys, Neeson found it quite simple to ease into his part.  The star of Taken and The Grey explains: “As an actor filming on location in Hawaii, at Pearl Harbor and on USS Missouri, I didn’t have to use my imagination... all that history is right there for you.” 

           

One of Neeson’s most memorable moments on set was the day when he shot a key scene with Colonel Gadson, which was filmed at the famous “Punchbowl” cemetery in Honolulu.  Neeson recounts: “I present a medal to Greg’s character, Mick.  After they helped him up on the stage, he walked toward me.  As the camera rolled, he had a look in his eyes that wasn’t acting.  It reflected what this man’s been through, the incredible injuries suffered for his country.  Yet, there was also this incredible defiance and dignity and power.  It made me feel very proud.” 

The international cast includes Liam Neeson as Admiral Shane, Taylor Kitsch as Alex Hopper, Alexander Skarsgård as Stone Hopper,  Brooklyn Decker as Samantha, Reila Aphrodite as Sam, Rihanna as Raikes, Josh Pence as Chief Moore, U.S. Army Colonel GREGORY D. GADSON, a battalion leader who lost both legs in Iraq in 2007 as Lt. Col. Mick Canales and Peter MacNicol as Secretary of Defense.

“BATTLESHIP” is a Universal Pictures Presentation directed by Peter Berg and is distributed locally by  United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. Showing at your favorite theaters on April 12.