Liam Neeson will replace Mel Gibson in the sequel to Warner Bros.' hit comedy The Hangover following complaints by the cast and crew, Variety reports.

Gibson, whose public image has been severely damaged by repeated allegations of racism and abuse of his ex-girlfriend, was to have a cameo in the film as a tattoo artist in Bangkok. But as we noted this morning, director Todd Phillips was forced to withdraw the part, saying "this decision ultimately did not have the full support of my entire cast and crew." (Entertainment Weekly's Chris Nashawaty points out that, curiously, convicted rapist Mike Tyson appeared in the first Hangover without threat of revolt by the cast and crew.)

According to the trade paper, Neeson was invited to step into the role by The Hangover 2 star Bradley Cooper, who appeared with him in The A-Team. Neeson flew to the set from New York on Thursday.

The Hangover 2, which also features returning cast members Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis,opens on May 26.