Detective John McClane, a character from the Die Hard series, has become an icon of US cinema. From being a regular cop to a celebrated action hero, McClane has seen some major transformations.
We take a look at how McClane’s character evolved over the years and what contributed to his popularity in this article.
From being an everyman hero to a seasoned detective, McClane’s character development gives us an insight into changing cinematic trends.
‘Die Hard’: The everyman hero
In Die Hard, we meet John McClane, an ordinary cop in an extraordinary situation.
Unlike regular action heroes of the era, he is relatable and vulnerable.
His resourcefulness and determination make him stand out, giving us the new kind of protagonist we never knew we needed.
The film laid the foundation for McClane’s character as someone who depends on wit and grit over superpowers.
Sequels: Expanding the character
As the franchise continued with sequels like Die Hard 2 and Die Hard with a Vengeance, McClane’s character was fleshed out even more.
These films took a closer look at his personal life and his demons, making him more relatable.
The sequels preserved his everyman charm but added more challenges that pushed him to his limits and required him to adapt to more complex situations.
Modernization in later films
In later installments like Live Free or Die Hard and A Good Day to Die Hard, John McClane was modernized for contemporary audiences.
These movies featured current-day themes like cyber-terrorism, while keeping the essence of his character intact.