As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for cinematic history and a soft spot for classic Hollywood, I can’t help but ponder what our silver screen landscape would look like if Frank Sinatra had starred in Die Hard instead of Bruce Willis. It’s a tantalizing thought experiment that sends shivers down my spine!
Hooray! From memorable quotes to a character who outruns terrorists barefoot, “Die Hard” is one rooftop adventure you won’t forget in a hurry. In an age filled with muscular, brooding, bullet-evading heroes, the movie stood out due to its central character’s quick wit and fast tongue. That character was John McClane, a New York Police Department detective who was trying to make up with his wife at a company party, but instead found himself in the midst of a hostage situation. When he wasn’t using his gun, McClane was often retaliating against the villain’s threats with clever pop culture references and sharp insults.
Initially, it’s challenging to imagine anyone other than Bruce Willis in the role, but during casting, he wasn’t even a top contender. Instead, heavyweights like Sylvester Stallone, Clint Eastwood, Richard Gere, Harrison Ford, Burt Reynolds, James Caan, Nick Nolte, Mel Gibson, Don Johnson, Richard Dean Anderson, Paul Newman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Al Pacino were first in line. However, they either had prior commitments or preferred other projects. Remarkably, none of them were the initial pick. The role’s first choice was actually Frank Sinatra, but the reason for this is unclear.
20th Century Studios Was Contractually Obligated to Offer Sinatra the Role
The casting decision for Frank Sinatra is linked to certain legal matters and complexities related to the original content. Unlike the action classic Die Hard, which isn’t an original story, it was adapted from the 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever written by ex-private detective Roderick Thorp. In this book, Detective Joe Leland attends his daughter’s year-end party and waits for her in the lobby, but terrorists strike instead. Interestingly, screenwriters Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza made a strategic choice by renaming Leland as John McClane in the film, and added a romantic subplot between McClane, the lonely detective, and his estranged wife.
As a dedicated cinephile, I must share that, despite being an engaging standalone tale, “Nothing Lasts Forever” is actually a sequel to the gripping mystery “The Detective.” In this continuation, our protagonist Leland delves into the life of a widow’s late husband. Interestingly enough, the studio had already secured the rights to the original novel and its sequel (even before the latter was penned) from 20th Century, which meant they were contractually bound to offer the role to Frank Sinatra. However, being 70 years old at the time, Sinatra opted against it, preferring not to chase around a building while brandishing a Beretta. By then, he felt a microphone was more suitable for his talents.
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit, the idea of Bruce Willis being in the running was initially unexpected. But when he ultimately landed the part, it sent shockwaves through the action genre, given his more television-centric background compared to his seasoned competitors who were already industry veterans. It was like an unknown actor snatching a role typically earmarked for the rugged, established stars – truly a surprising turn of events!
In a sea of stern expressions, it was only Bruce Willis who brought laughs amidst an army of tough actors like Dolph Lundgren and Carl Weathers. Perhaps the sameness of his competition worked to his advantage, or maybe, in a crowd where everyone else looked grim, the comedic talent of Bruce Willis stood out as a welcome change of pace.
Before he landed his role, Willis was primarily recognized for his work on the comedy series “Moonlighting”. In the 1980s, there was a considerable divide between film and TV actors, much like the Berlin Wall. Actors from one side rarely ventured to the other, and those who did were not always successful in making an impact.
It’s worth noting that Willis harbored some doubts as well. He recognized the potential backlash from being labeled an acting royalty, and he wasn’t certain about how he would manage it. Moreover, he was bound by contract to Moonlighting, a role he genuinely enjoyed. Fortunately, a break came when production on the series halted for several months due to Cybill Shepherd’s maternity leave. With time on his hands, the actor chose to visit Nakatomi Plaza and create some excitement.
Sinatra Never Had the Makings of an Action Star
In his 70s, Frank Sinatra might not have been cut out for the role of John McClane, but it’s essential to note that age is only a minor factor. Frank Sinatra was indeed a talented actor, yet he lacked the physicality required for such roles. He garnered an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “From Here to Eternity” and a Golden Globe for “The Man with the Golden Arm,” but his roles were more about the brooding, introspective detectives who delved into crime scenes and approached situations with subtlety. John McClane, on the other hand, was a cop who preferred to dish out punches and quick wit, able to make light of any situation.
By examining Frank Sinatra’s movie career, it’s clear that the majority of his films received positive to excellent reviews. However, his action movies were often met with criticism. Movies like “Assault on a Queen,” “Cast a Shadow,” and the original “Ocean’s 11” didn’t measure up to his other performances. This suggests that Sinatra rarely took on action roles, possibly indicating he wasn’t fond of them. Therefore, casting him in “Die Hard” might have required him to step out of his comfort zone. A cameo appearance as a different character could have been a way to acknowledge the original source while avoiding a role that may not have suited him comfortably.
An Alternate Universe Where Bruce Willis Never Starred in Die Hard Doesn’t Look Good
It’s unsettling to imagine a universe where Bruce Willis didn’t portray John McClane, as it might have prevented the creation of a Die Hard sequel. This would’ve left fans without enjoyable continuations like Die Hard 2 and Live Free or Die Hard. Even movies with gaps in their storylines and narrative flaws still showcase Willis at his most energetic and playful, his zest igniting audience excitement in a way that few other action stars could achieve.
Actors such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone seldom revisit sequels, with Schwarzenegger reportedly turning down every opportunity to reprise his roles in ‘Predator’, ‘True Lies’, ‘Commando’, and ‘Conan’. In contrast, Stallone focuses more on the ‘Rambo’ and ‘Rocky’ franchises due to greater creative control. As a result, he may have been less inclined to resume the role of John McClane. Similarly, most actors on our shortlist are known for their busy schedules, which might prevent them from reprising their roles as well.
It’s chilling to think that Bruce Willis might not have reached superstardom. Although his role in Moonlighting was commendable, it didn’t quite reach the status of a TV classic. This could have meant he would be confined to minor roles on television, or he may have faced the usual challenge for lead actors – maintaining popularity after their series ends. Famous films like 12 Monkeys, Pulp Fiction, and Armageddon might not have been the same if that had happened. Fortunately, everything turned out perfectly for him in the end.
Die Hard
is available to stream in the US on Hulu
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2024-09-29 05:31