Studio wants another 'Taken' movie

'Taken 3' is already in the works, according to screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen.

Kamen, who has worked on blockbusters such as 'Karate Kid' and both 'Taken' films, revealed that Fox Pictures have expressed interest in a further crime thriller movie in the series as they believe it could make them a lot of money, so a third project in the franchise looks likely.

He said: "We didn't start talking about ['Taken 3'] until we saw the numbers. But then we said: 'Oh, OK. I think we should do a third one.' And Fox wants us to do a third one."

The original 2008 thriller - which was based around the kidnapping of a retired CIA agent's (Liam Neeson) daughter in Paris - was a massive hit, amassing more than $226m (€175.5m) worldwide after it's release, but the recent sequel 'Taken 2' has not lived up to expectations.

But even after negative reactions to the film, Fox believe there is room for a third installment, although Kamen admits the movie will have to go in a new "direction".

He added to Hollywood.com: "We've taken everyone we can take - it's going to go in another direction. Should be interesting."

Although 'Taken 3' is yet to be confirmed, it is more than likely Neeson will not be returning to reprise his role as main character Bryan Mills.

Talking about the possibility of a third movie, he recently said: "I think this is the end. I mean how many times can she be taken? I mean, it's bad parenthood, really, after that."

However, the actor joked: "If I get a call and it's like: 'HOW much?!?'. Then I'll consider it!"