The "Taken" series became famous for an oft-spouted line from Liam Neeson's character, Bryan Mills, about his "particular set of skills" that make him a ruthless ass-kicking machine, and now, a new series from NBC will explore just how he acquired those skills.

Deadline reports that the network is developing a series centered around Bryan Mills as a young man -- no wife and daughter yet -- and how he eventually obtains his thuggish abilities. It's a direct homage to the line Neeson uttered in 2008's "Taken," when he tells one of the men suspected of having kidnapped his daughter, "What I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career; Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you."

Without Neeson at the helm to deliver said line (according to Variety, he isn't involved with the show in any capacity at this time), it's hard to imagine another actor picking up his slack, but it's an interesting premise nonetheless. The prequel will be a reboot of sorts, since it will take place in the modern day, not decades in the past to line up with Neeson's age in the flicks.

NBC is reportedly so hot on the property that they've ordered it straight to series, based on a pitch from original "Taken" writer-producer Luc Besson, without a writer or showrunner attached yet. Besson will produce the series.

Stay tuned to see who they snag to star. And keep your fingers crossed for a Neeson cameo in some shape or form.

[via: Deadline, h/t Variety]

Photo credit: Sam Urdank for 20th Century Fox