"Die Hard" hero John McClane is a hit again after a 12-year box-office break, and a "Die Hard" franchise director says it's because audiences relate to him.

"Live Free or Die Hard" debuted at No. 2 with $33.1 million, after grossing $9.1 million last Wednesday, the best opening day performance in the "Die Hard" series.

Bruce Willis' irreverent cop, introduced when 1988's "Die Hard" exploded in theaters, remains popular because audiences can relate to him, said Renny Harlin, who directed "Die Hard 2: Die Harder" in 1990.

"He's the Everyman that every guy from a teenager to a retired guy can relate to," said Harlin in an e-mail interview. "Every beer-guzzling couch potato could in principal fantasize about doing what he does. His attitude and humor make him endearing."

McClane "reminds us of something about the times when things used to be better, and brings a sense of safety to these insecure times."

Besides finding the "Die Hard 2" script appealing, Harlin said the movie was bigger than his previous projects. He said he liked the first movie, but thought he could "add something to the franchise."

Before the "Live Free or Die Hard" premiere, Willis donated "Die Hard" memorabilia to the Smithsonian, and a DVD collection of "Die Hard," "Die Hard 2: Die Harder" and "Die Hard with a Vengeance" was released.

© Copyright 2007 United Press International


Publication date: 05 July 2007   

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