Liam Neeson back on for 'Taken 2'

Liam Neeson is said to have "all but signed on" to star in the sequel to his 2008 hit Taken, despite earlier reports that suggested that he might pull out of the film.

It was believed that director Luc Besson was considering recasting the lead role of retired government agent Bryan Mills, due to Neeson insisting that he be allowed to take the rest of the year off.

However, according to Deadline, Besson has now negotiated with Neeson to delay filming on Taken 2 until early next year.

Besson will once again write the film's script, and is said to have tapped The Transporter 3 director Olivier Megaton to helm the project.

Work on a sequel to Taken has been underway ever since the first film proved to be an unprecedented success upon its release.

Among the actors believed to have been under consideration to replace Neeson were the likes of Sean Bean, Mickey Rourke and Ray Winstone.

Taken 2 will now commence filming in Istanbul in early 2012.

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