MUMBAI: Twentieth Century Fox marked the silver anniversary of its blockbuster movie franchise Die Hard with a ceremony on the historic studio backlot. During the event a mural depicting the film‘s iconic lead character John McClane was unveiled in front of Stage 8. It joins murals celebrating The Empire Strikes Back, The Simpsons, The Sound of Music, The Seven Year Itch, and The Ox-Bow Incident, which adorn other Fox stages.
Separately, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment also released the Die Hard 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Collection including the first four Die Hard films and featuring an all-new 60 minute bonus disc, “Decoding Die Hard,” on 29 January.
When DIE HARD exploded into theaters during the summer of 1988, it launched a new cinematic hero, John McClane, and changed the paradigm of action movies. McClane is identifiable and relatable – an ordinary man forced by circumstances to attempt extraordinary tasks. That is what separates him from the comic book heroes of most action movies, and has made McClane one of the most endearing characters in film history.
The character has been essayed by action hero Bruce Willis in all five DIE HARD pictures, including the latest installment, A Good Day to Die Hard. The ceremony saw the presence of the actor along with his co-star Jai Courtney, who portrays McClane‘s son Jack in the new film, and its director, John Moore.
The festivities also included a reception on the 21st floor of the Fox Plaza.
Willis said, “One of the most exciting things about playing McClane is that he‘s definitely not a superhero. He has no special powers or abilities. He‘s a regular guy to whom anybody can relate. While we‘re always pushing the envelope to create great action sequences, I think it is McClane‘s relatability and sense of humor that really draws in people.”
20th Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos added, “Twenty-five years ago, Die Hard, John McClane, and Bruce Willis thrilled audiences around the world and set a new template for action and adventure. Now, on the eve of the release of A Good Day to Die Hard, we were delighted to celebrate and honor this enduring part of our studio‘s legendary history with this mural unveiling.”
