that made audiences laugh. But according to director Renny Hardlin, star Bruce Willis absolutely hated it and refused to say it. It’s a line in Die Harder which made audiences laugh. But according to director Renny Hardin, Bruce Willis hated it. Nick de Semlyan, the author of “The Last Action Heroes,” interviews Renny Hardlin on the notoriously fraught production for the Die hard sequel. Harlin claims that Willis wanted to play McClane more seriously than he did in the original Die hard. “One liners and jokey remarks are bullshit. That’s not real-life. In a real situation, with lives on the line, you can’t say that kind of thing.”
According to Harlin, a compromise was made where Willis would do however many takes he wanted in a serious way, but Harlin would then be allowed to film a lighter, more humorous version. The majority of these funny takes made it into the final cut. But Willis drew the line by saying “just the fax” during a bit where a flirty airport worker helps him send a fax of a dead bad guy’s fingerprints. “He said it’s cheesy, it’s stupid. I’m not going to say it.” Finally, producer Joel Silver got involved, and the line was shot as planned
Whatever the case, Die Hard 2: Die Harder wound up being a major financial hit, grossing $240 million worldwide, which is over $100 million more than the classic first instalment made. The book claims that Willis was done with the character when Die Hard 2: Die Harder was released. He said, “Sure. Die Hard 3 – He’s dead.” No, I think we’ve pretty much said everything about John McClane and terrorists.” Willis would go on to make Die Hard with a Vengeance, Live Free or Die Hard, and the now infamous A Good Day to Die Hard.
If you want more classic stories from the eighties and nineties golden age of action movies, I highly recommend checking out de Semlyan’s book. Buy it here!
that made audiences laugh. But according to director Renny Hardlin, star Bruce Willis absolutely hated it and refused to say it. It’s a line in Die Harder which made audiences laugh. But according to director Renny Hardin, Bruce Willis hated it. Nick de Semlyan, the author of “The Last Action Heroes,” interviews Renny Hardlin on the notoriously fraught production for the Die hard sequel. Harlin claims that Willis wanted to play McClane more seriously than he did in the original Die hard. “One liners and jokey remarks are bullshit. That’s not real-life. In a real situation, with lives on the line, you can’t say that kind of thing.”
According to Harlin, a compromise was made where Willis would do however many takes he wanted in a serious way, but Harlin would then be allowed to film a lighter, more humorous version. The majority of these funny takes made it into the final cut. But Willis drew the line by saying “just the fax” during a bit where a flirty airport worker helps him send a fax of a dead bad guy’s fingerprints. “He said it’s cheesy, it’s stupid. I’m not going to say it.” Finally, producer Joel Silver got involved, and the line was shot as planned
Whatever the case, Die Hard 2: Die Harder wound up being a major financial hit, grossing $240 million worldwide, which is over $100 million more than the classic first instalment made. The book claims that Willis was done with the character when Die Hard 2: Die Harder was released. He said, “Sure. Die Hard 3 – He’s dead.” No, I think we’ve pretty much said everything about John McClane and terrorists.” Willis would go on to make Die Hard with a Vengeance, Live Free or Die Hard, and the now infamous A Good Day to Die Hard.
If you want more classic stories from the eighties and nineties golden age of action movies, I highly recommend checking out de Semlyan’s book. Buy it here!
