Liam Neeson has dropped out of a movie about the saint who brought Christianity to Scotland, citing his grief over the death of his wife Natasha Richardson last year.

According to Starpulse, the actor was set to star alongside Jeremy Irons in a film by Scottish director Norman Stone about legendary historical figure Saint Columba. But Stone says Neeson has left the project.

Richardson passed away in March of last year following a skiing accident at Mt. Tremblant in Quebec. After her sudden death, Stone gave the actor several months to decide whether he wanted to continue with the role but Neeson reportedly felt he couldn’t go ahead.

Stone says, “It has been a difficult time for Liam. I think he would have been great in the film. We wanted him to play the part of King Aidan, who has fiery clashes with Columba (Irons). It would’ve been great to see him alongside Jeremy.

“The script was with him for several months and I understand he loved it. He has decided not to go ahead, which is a pity, but the decision was made after what has been a difficult time for him and I respect the circumstances. He is a truly great actor.”

Neeson plays Zeus in Clash of the Titans, which is scheduled for release in March. He is also set to play Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s film of the same name and has reportedly been cast as John ‘Hannibal’ Smith in the A-Team remake.