As spotted by The Wrap, here's a little update on that long-gestating Die Hard prequel, sometimes known as (longest sigh possible) Die Hard: Year One:
"Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura told Empire that the film will have a cleaner title than originally thought: “You can tell our intention by the fact that the title page we handed in says, McCLANE. We want you to get invested in John McClane more than ever before.”
But, wait! There's more! Bonaventura went on to explain that McClane, a prequel of sorts which will flash back and forth between a rookie John McClane and a modern-day John McClane, will definitely not skimp on the Bruce Willis action:
“I don’t know how you do Die Hard without Bruce. The idea that he’s not very significant in this movie is not accurate at all. We are gonna explore John McClane in his twenties. But just as prominent is the 60-year-old version.”
Yes, that's right - if you were worried McClane wouldn't feature enough 60-year-old Bruce Willis (fending off fighter jet attacks or doing sub-orbital dropkicks or whatever it is the Die Hard franchise has noted everyman John McClane doing these days), worry no more: this Len Wiseman-directed pre-sequel will explore John McClane's career at both its earliest point and its most ridiculous point. That should make for an evenly-balanced viewing experience.
We remain skeptical that a Die Hard pre-sequel, whatever they're calling it, is a good idea. We would like very very much to be proven wrong, but we're also not holding our breath. Stay tuned for more on McClane as further updates become available, and hug your loved ones.
PS: On a personal note, this writer revisited Die Hard With a Vengeance over the weekend and sincerely believes it to be the absolute best Die Hard sequel, by a wide margin. Agree or disagree? Sound off in the comments below, and be sure to show your math.