Liam Neeson would be the most terrifying Santa Claus ever, it turns out.

The Taken star took part in a skit for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he auditions for the role of Father Christmas.

His take on the character is a bit darker than most, reprising his Bryan Mills persona from the classic action film in his bid to get the role.

"I see you when you're sleeping," he growls. "I know when you're awake."

When he tries to do 'jolly' it genuinely looks like he plans on killing you in your sleep, but Neeson insists that he's simply trying to understand Santa's character.

"He's detailed, he's single minded, he's an eye in the sky bringing swift judgement," he insists, telling an exasperated director that, while he may indeed give out toys to children, he doesn't give any to the naughty ones.

"Let me tell you something about that reindeer that ran over grandma," he continues. "I will look for him... I will find him... And I will kill him."

Consider this your Christmas present from Neeson/Santa, along with the news that, thankfully, he says there won't be a Taken 4.

"There's only so many times your daughter can be taken. Actually if we do have another it will be: 'Please can you take my daughter?'," he told the show.