Liam Neeson Baffled by Viral Toy Craze During Film Press Tour
Veteran Actor’s Encounter with Labubu Sparks Fan Outcry Over Interview Tactics
During a recent press tour for his upcoming film “The Naked Gun,” veteran actor Liam Neeson found himself unexpectedly quizzed about a trending collectible toy known as Labubu. The unexpected turn left the seasoned performer visibly perplexed, igniting a debate among fans about the nature of modern celebrity interviews.
An Unforeseen Interrogation
While engaging in a press junket segment titled “INTERROBAIT” to promote his new movie, which also features Pamela Anderson, a reporter presented Neeson with an image of the popular, monstrous-looking figurine. The 73-year-old actor, whose career spans over five decades and boasts 199 IMDB credits, admitted complete unfamiliarity.
“Haven’t a clue,” Neeson responded. “No. Seriously, I don’t know. It’s a fluffy doll? Or can you eat it?”
Fan Backlash Over Interview Tactics
The reporter proceeded to explain the widespread fascination with Labubu, a trend that has reportedly led to significant consumer demand, with some instances of people queuing for hours. Neeson later commented on a related character, a version of Labubu without its distinctive fur, humorously noting its lack of “genitals.” This exchange did not sit well with many online commentators.
Why do actors have to deal with this nonsense? Are there real reporters or interviewers anymore?
— User Name (@UserHandle) August 7, 2025
One frustrated viewer on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the relevance of such inquiries, asking, Why do actors have to deal with this nonsense? Are there real reporters or interviewers anymore?
Others criticized the trend of creating viral moments during promotional activities.
Another user lamented, Press tour interviews where they try to manufacture viral moments or the interview is a cringe try hard who clearly wants to be friends with the actors need to stop.
Several fans expressed a preference for more traditional interviews focusing on the film itself.
The debate extended to the broader impact of “influencer culture,” with one person arguing, The influencer era and its consequences has been devastating for society. Sports. Movies. You can’t escape their wrath and poison.
However, some defended the interviewer, suggesting that engaging with pop culture trends is a harmless way to connect with a younger audience, noting, Harmlessly reacting to a trend, rather than actually derailing things.
The interaction has highlighted a shift in media engagement, where generating shareable content can sometimes overshadow substantive discussion. The phenomenon of viral toys, like the “POP MART Labubu” figures, has seen immense popularity, with demand often exceeding supply. For instance, in May 2024, reports indicated that a limited-edition blind box series sold out within minutes of release in several Asian markets, underscoring the scale of the craze (Tatler Asia, May 2024).
While Neeson‘s press appearances have primarily focused on his romantic life and cinematic projects, this unexpected detour into the world of collectible toys offered a notable, albeit peculiar, change of pace.
