Watch: Liam Neeson’s Terrifying Santa Claus Audition [Video]

Liam Neeson is currently trending on social media platforms and it is because many have agreed the Taken actor doesn’t make a very jolly Santa Claus.

During a recent appearance on the The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Liam Neeson auditioned for the role of Santa Claus. People on social media are describing the audition as “terrifying” and “horrifying.” Others have claimed Liam Neeson makes the kind of Santa Claus that is likely to haunt you in your sleep. If you haven’t had a chance to watch Liam Neeson’s terrifying Santa Claus audition yet, check out the video below to see whether or not you think he makes a jolly Santa.

As most Liam Neeson fans would agree, the Taken actor appears to play the role of a scary and tough Santa a little better than a jolly and friendly Santa. As Liam more or less points out during his audition, the purpose of Santa Claus is to be “an eye in the sky” watching over your children in order to make sure they are behaving. Basically, Neeson thinks if your goal is to use Santa to scare your children into behaving – he may just be the terrifying Santa Claus for the job.

Per Daily Mail, Liam Neeson appears to have channeled his inner Bryan Mills from Taken for his hilarious – and terrifying – mock audition of Santa Claus. For anyone who isn’t a big Liam Neeson fan, Bryan Mills is the name of a character Liam played in the movies Taken, Taken 2, and Taken 3. Bryan is the name of a retired CIA agent who relies on the skills he acquired before he retired to save his family and himself time and time again. For those who have seen the Taken movies, you make recognize several references Liam makes during his terrifying mock Santa Claus audition.

During the audition, a voice in the background informs Liam that he is being a little too intimidating to take on the role of Santa Claus. Neeson fires back claiming he disagrees with the voice in the background, “If you don’t mind me saying, I think it’s right. You understand what Santa’s saying here?” Neeson then goes on to explain who he thinks Santa Claus really is and why Santa should be a little intimidating.

“He’s making a list, naughty nice, he’s detailed. He’s single minded, an eye in the sky bringing swift judgement.”

The voice in the background responded to what Neeson had said by reminding him Santa is also responsible for bringing toys to the children. Liam agreed with the voice but made sure to mention “not the naughty ones.”

Then, Liam delivers what might be the most terrifying line during his entire Santa Claus audition. Anyone who has seen the Taken movies is likely to find the line a little more humorous than terrifying.

“Let me tell you something about that reindeer that ran over grandma. I will look for him. I will find him. And I will kill him.”

Liam Neeson ends his audition with one final line that his fans – again – may recall. But, this time the reference is to his Kraken line in the Clash Of The Titans remake.

“Release the Kringle.”

As fans of Liam Neeson may recall, this isn’t the first time this charming Northern Irishman has slipped into a Santa Claus costume. In a movie called Run All Night, Liam Neeson wears a Santa Claus costume for the Christmas party of his best friend – and mob boss – played by Shawn Maguire. Released in 2015, Liam plays the role of a hit man named Jimmy Conlon who is constantly haunted by the sins of his past. Things take a sour turn when he kills his best friend’s son for trying to kill his own estranged son. If you haven’t seen Run All Night, you can check out a trailer of the movie below.

Most Liam Neeson fans would agree this trailer features a version of Liam his fans are a little more used to seeing.

The real question is – do you think Liam Neeson would make an ideal mall Santa Claus? Would you take your children to see this somewhat terrifying version of Santa Claus? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section found down below.

[Featured Image by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images]