NBC orders prequel series based on 'Taken' films

NBC has ordered a prequel drama series based on the Liam Neeson movie franchise, Taken.

The network's straight-to-series order, reported Thursday by Deadline Hollywood, will focus on a younger version of Bryan Mills, the heroic retired CIA agent played in the Taken films by Neeson.

Luc Besson, a writer and producer of the three Taken films, will be an executive producer.

Although a younger Mills will be at the center of the TV version of Taken, the show will be set in contemporary times, according to Deadline, which says a search is on for a writer.

Other Besson films, including La Femme Nikita and The Transporter, have spawned TV series. No casting news has been announced.

Network TV schedules for 2015-16 are dotted with film-inspired series, including ABC's Uncle Buck, Fox's Minority Report and CBS' Limitless and Rush Hour.