Are you a fan of Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock? Then you must read this post for sure. Dwayne Johnson’s upcoming action-adventure film Red One offers a fresh take on Christmas-themed cinema, with a hidden tribute to one of the most iconic action films of all time, Die Hard. Despite their distinct plots, both films share a Christmas setting, creating a perfect backdrop for Johnson’s clever nod to Bruce Willis’ 1988 classic.
Red One introduces Santa Claus, elves, and other mythological creatures, building a much more holiday-centric world than Die Hard. Yet, Die Hard has earned its place in holiday tradition, sparking debates about whether it should be considered a Christmas movie. Even though these two films seem worlds apart, Red One uses a clever reference to Die Hard to pay tribute to Bruce Willis in a touching and nostalgic way.
A Clever Tribute to the Iconic Air Vent Scene
At the heart of Red One’s finale, there’s a sweet moment where J.K. Simmons, portraying Santa Claus, sneaks into houses delivering gifts to children. One standout scene mirrors an iconic moment from Die Hard, where Bruce Willis’ character, John McClane, crawls through the building’s air vents to escape danger.
In Die Hard, this scene is legendary. McClane, using a lighter to guide his way through the dark vents, delivers the unforgettable line: “Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs.” This scene has become a staple of holiday pop culture, even inspiring Christmas ornaments for die-hard fans. Red One pays tribute to this by showing Santa, in a similar situation, crawling through vents with a grin on his face.
Bruce Willis’ Influence on Red One
The decision to feature this Die Hard Easter egg likely comes from Dwayne Johnson and director Jake Kasdan’s admiration for Die Hard. Both have cited the movie as a major influence on action films. Moreover, Bruce Willis himself has worked with key figures involved in Red One. He starred alongside Johnson in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and worked with J.K. Simmons in The Jackal.
Dwayne Johnson has long spoken highly of Bruce Willis. During the press tour for G.I. Joe: Retaliation, he called Willis “the ultimate man’s man,” explaining the longstanding friendship they share. This connection may have played a role in including such a thoughtful tribute to Willis and Die Hard in Red One.
Why This Tribute Matters:
By honoring Die Hard in such a meaningful way, Red One not only pays respect to a beloved classic but also celebrates the shared legacy of Christmas movies that blur the lines between holiday cheer and action-packed adventure. For fans of both films, this homage is a beautiful reminder of how movies can transcend time and tradition. Stick to Famous Times for more interesting articles.
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