Bruce Willis has reprised his Die Hard role as tough-guy cop John McClane in a new commercial. The Die Hard franchise has been ongoing since 1988 and while not every entry in the series has been a hit with fans, there’s still plenty of interest in the action staple.
Since the arrival of the first film, it’s fair to say that Die Hard has been an integral part of Willis’ life and career. Many of the lines from the first film are still fondly remembered today, and McClane’s "Yippee Ki-Yay" rallying cry has turned into arguably one of the most instantly recognized quotes in film history. Every fan of the series seems to favor the sequels differently, but one thing that almost seems inarguable is that the first film remains the favorite entry of most. With its confined setting and creative action sequences, McClane’s battle to save his wife and the rest of the Nakatomi Plaza hostages from international terrorist Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) is truly legendary. It remains to be seen if the sixth entry in the franchise will eventually materialize as, so far, it’s been two years since there was last any news on the status of McClane.
For now, at least, Die Hard fans eager for a return of McClane will have to settle for a new advertisement for DieHard batteries. The commercial, which can be seen below, comes courtesy of Advance Auto Parts’ YouTube channel. Its premise is a relatively simple one: McClane needs a new battery for his car, but while trying to get one, he’s pursued by a host of baddies—some of whom fans will recognize from the Die Hard franchise. Also making a cameo appearance is De’voreaux White, who fans will recognize as Argyle, the smooth-talking limo driver from the first film. It seems Argyle is still driving that same limo—that is, until he gets involved with McClane’s familiar ways.
There’s certainly no shortage of action in the ad campaign, and from the point of view of DieHard batteries, it’s pretty much the best possible way for getting people to sit up and take notice of the product. The ad also arrives as the holiday season looms closer, a fact that reignites the excitement of many, as it is considered to be a Christmas classic by a significant portion of Die Hard’s fanbase. But along with the renewed holiday interest in the films, the DieHard ad is enough to get people questioning whether or not it’s hinting at something more. As previously mentioned, Die Hard 6 has been in the works for years now and while some fans were fine with one, maybe two Die Hard films, others feel that enough is enough and the series should have been left alone years ago.
For those who have had enough of the Die Hard sequels over the years, this battery advert is probably not going to be seen as much of a highlight. In fact, it could be argued that the ad showcases exactly the sort of stubborn refusal to quit that Willis and the Die Hard producers have exhibited over the years. And while fans who are critical of this, as well as the sequels, may indeed have a point, each new entry in the series still manages to draw in audiences.
Source: Advance Auto Parts via YouTube