Liam Neeson, currently on the promotional trail for Taken 3, says the thriller franchise could be to blame for Americans' fear of international travel. The Irish actor said he received a letter from a school teacher in Texas saying the parents of children in her class withdrew them from a trip to Europe after watching Taken 2. 

Liam NeesonLian Neeson is back as good old Miles in Taken 3

"Just the other day I got a letter from a school teacher in Texas who had tried to take 60 students to Europe and the families of 40 of them got the kids out of it because they had seen Taken 2," he told The Graham Norton Show.

"And then this year she wanted to take 20 of them and the parents all said, 'No because we've seen that movie!'," he added.

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Though the original Taken film garnered mild applause for its slick fun-filled action, it was also widely mocked for its brainless and often hilarious plot. The sequel bombed completely with the critics though a strong showing at the box-office green-lighted a third outing - something Neeson was initially sceptical of.

Liam Neeson Taken 3This time Liam Neeson is out to clear his name in Taken 3

"I said the second one wouldn't happen and I said I wouldn't do a third one if someone got taken. It's insulting to an audience as well as me. It's a good storyline and I'm the hunted instead of the hunter," he said.

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Taken 3, released in the UK on January 8, sees Neeson's character Miles accused of a ruthless murder he did not commit. 

Neeson's interview on The Graham Norton Show airs on tonight's New Year's Eve special (December 31) on BBC1 at 10.15pm. 

Watch the trailer for Taken 3: