When Dwayne Johnson dropped a clever reference to Bruce Willis’ $143M blockbuster in Red One, fans couldn’t help but wonder. Was it a genius move, tapping into the glory of Willis’ iconic films, or simply a nostalgic wink to draw in those ‘90s vibes?
Either way, Johnson’s quick wink to Willis’ iconic role got people talking—like, really talking. Whether it’s a clever callback to a classic or just a smooth trick to ride on Willis’ coattails, guess we’ll see if this playful moment pays off in the long run!
Dwayne Johnson’s Red One: A Nod to Die Hard or a Nostalgic Shortcut to Mask a Sinking Plot?
Dwayne Johnson’s Red One’s been stirring the pot with its cheeky nod to Bruce Willis‘ 1988 iconic action flick Die Hard. But was it a heartfelt tribute or just nostalgia bait to salvage a sinking movie? Critics were quick to slam the film, giving it a measly 32% on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers called it a “poor attempt at a blockbuster,” with many pointing out its lack of originality. Yet, audiences were kinder, seeing it as a fun holiday flick with some inventive moments. And then there’s that sly Die Hard reference.
The most noteworthy? Bruce Willis’ action hero crawling through the vents. In Red One, J.K. Simmons’ Santa, while sneaking around delivering gifts, is seen army crawling through air vents, with a smile on his face that instantly calls to mind John McClane’s tense escape in Nakatomi Plaza. The setup’s nearly identical: both characters navigate tight spaces, trying to evade danger. The moment even echoes McClane’s famous line, “Come out to the coast, have a few laughs,” though Simmons’ Santa doesn’t get to crack the same quip.
The Die Hard reference doesn’t stop at the vents. Red One also shares the Christmas setting with Die Hard, despite the latter’s debate about whether it qualifies as a holiday movie. While Die Hard focuses on a heist and hostages at a Christmas party, Red One centers around a magical Santa and his battle with a dark witch. The link to Die Hard is unmistakable, even if the two films couldn’t be more different in tone and plot.
Now, Red One might not have the action thrills or high stakes of Die Hard, but Johnson and director Jake Kasdan clearly wanted to pay homage. Given Johnson’s past with Willis in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and his admiration for the actor, this tribute feels more like a personal shout-out. Critics, however, will likely see it as a cheap attempt to hook in Die Hard fans, leveraging nostalgia to mask a lackluster plot.
How Chris Hemsworth Ended Up in Extraction Instead of Dwayne Johnson
Ever wondered how the smallest shifts can change everything? Take Extraction, for example. Originally set to star Dwayne Johnson, the film began as Ciudad, based on the Russo brothers’ graphic novel. But when the Russos got swept into the Marvel Universe, their plans for Ciudad fell apart. Entered Chris Hemsworth, who stepped into the mercenary role after a script rewrite, and Sam Hargrave, promoted to director.
Imagine a Ciudad starring Johnson—sure, it could’ve been fun, but would it have sparked the powerhouse action films we got? Sometimes, the smallest changes lead to the biggest wins.
Watch Die Hard and Red One on Apple TV.
