The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of action heroes, with names like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis making a mark on the big screen. While Schwarzenegger and Stallone were known for their larger-than-life personas, Bruce Willis’s John McClane stood out for his everyman quality. McClane, the hero of the Die Hard franchise, was an ordinary cop who found himself in extraordinary situations, fighting to save the day not out of desire, but out of necessity.
The alternate ending to Die Hard With a Vengeance, the third installment in the series, takes a darker turn. In this ending, Simon Gruber, the film’s villain, escapes, and McClane is left to confront him in a restaurant. The two former enemies engage in a conversation, with McClane revealing that he has tracked Simon down and intends to make him pay for his crimes. In a shocking twist, McClane pulls out a rocket launcher and offers Simon a chance to answer a series of riddle-like questions correctly. If Simon answers incorrectly, he must pull the trigger, in a gruesome display of violence.
A Still From Die Hard (Via IMDB)
The alternate ending is a departure from the tone of the rest of the film, which sees McClane fighting to stop Simon’s terrorist plot. This new ending betrays the character of John McClane, who would not engage in such ruthless and bloodthirsty behavior. McClane is an everyman hero, not a cold-blooded killer. The ending of the film, a predictable yet effective blast of action, is far more fitting for the character.
The Die Hard franchise has always prided itself on its gritty, realistic take on action, and the alternate ending fails to capture this spirit. McClane’s character is defined by his willingness to take risks to protect others, not by his desire for violence or revenge. The true John McClane would not engage in such depraved acts, and it is a relief that the ending of the film was not used in the final version.
In the end, the action heroes of the 1980s and 1990s are remembered for their larger-than-life personas and over-the-top action sequences. Bruce Willis’s portrayal of John McClane, however, is unique in its emphasis on the everyday hero’s journey. While the alternate ending to Die Hard With a Vengeance may have been more thrilling, it would have forever changed the perception of McClane’s character, and for that reason, it is fortunate that it was not chosen.
