Would a Die Hard Prequel Film About a Young John McClane Be a Good Movie?
Prequels often come with a risk of ruining the perfection of the original film. Revealing too much background information can be detrimental to the storytelling. Given that Die Hard is such a classic, any prequel would likely face significant fan backlash. Especially considering the current health condition of Bruce Willis, making another entry in the series is sensitive.
Why Avoiding Prequels Makes Sense
Die Hard is a beloved action classic of yesteryear. It's the first installment in the franchise that introduced John McClane, a character who became iconic for his resourcefulness and quick thinking. Spoiling this buildup would detract from the original's magic. Additionally, supporters of the series might feel that the first film Die Hard With a Vengeance was the peak of the series, making further prequels unnecessary.
The Complexity of Prequels
A prequel to Die Hard would need to be more of a reboot than a continuation of the original story. The first film introduced John McClane to a life-changing situation, and a prequel that follows a similar pattern would undermine the narrative arc established in the original. If the prequel were to stick to the original timeline, the action and intensity of the plot would be restricted, making it difficult to deliver the thrilling action that fans expect from Die Hard.
Alternative Directions for the Series
Instead of a prequel, the series might have benefited from exploring other avenues. For instance, a spin-off focusing on John McClane's children could have provided new perspectives and engrossing narratives. In the fifth film and in certain video games, we get a glimpse of John's family ties, including his son in the CIA and his daughter as an NYPD officer. These characters could have been developed into their own narratives, keeping the core Die Hard spirit alive.
The Declining Quality and Mergence with Popular Entertainment
Since the release of Die Hard 5, the series has faced criticism for a decline in quality. Contemporary action films provide new benchmarks, such as the John Wick series, which focuses on a highly skilled professional. The Die Hard franchise would need to address this by enhancing the story and character development, making McClane's resourcefulness and intelligence stand out rather than overemphasizing his skills.
Leaving the Classic As It Stands
The original Die Hard (1988) stands as a perfect example of an action movie that elevated both Bruce Willis to stardom and Alan Rickman to the status of a beloved villain. The film's impact extended beyond the big screen, giving Reginald VelJohnson a memorable role that led to further opportunities in the film industry. The original Die Hard is cherished by fans and deserves to be left alone, especially with several sequels already in existence.
My personal commitment is to revisit the original Die Hard every year during the Christmas holiday season. It's a masterpiece that doesn't require a prequel to be enjoyed or appreciated.
So, in conclusion, a prequel about a young John McClane would likely be unnecessary and potentially damaging to the legacy of the classic film. Let's keep the original stories intact and explore other exciting directions through spin-offs and reboots.