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Jai Courtney Signed to Play John McClane Jr. in 'Die Hard' Sequel

by Ethan Anderton
February 22, 2012

Just last year it was reported that Bruce Willis would return again as John McClane in A Good Day to Die Hard, set for a Valentine's Day release next year. At the time, it was revealed that the story would follow McClane trying to save his son somewhere in Russia where "nothing is what it seems." Some pretty big names were up to play John McClane, Jr. but a press release from Fox has revealed that "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" star Jai Courtney has landed the coveted role instead, and they've included a snapshot of the actor from a screen test alongside Willis, each with guns in hand, which you can see in its entirety below.

Here's Jai Courtney alongside Bruce Willis screentesting for A Good Day to Die Hard:

A Good Day to Die Hard - Screen Test

Names like Ben Foster (The Mechanic), Paul Dano (Knight & Day), Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad"), Paul Walker (Fast and Furious) and Milo Ventimiglia ("Heroes") were all in consideration, but I guess Courtney outdid them all. Combine this role with Courtney also nabbing a role alongside Tom Cruise in One Shot, and this guy's career is about to skyrocket. The press release has John McClane, Jr. (who goes by Jack) described as "an apple that has not fallen far from the tree" and "may even be more of a hardass than his father." But despite their differences the two are forced to work together in order to stay alive in Moscow and keep "the world safe for democracy," whatever the hell that means. Max Payne director John Moore is directing the film which is slated to begin production in April, hopefully with an R-rating in mind this time around.

Filed under Casting, Development, Movie News

From around the web:

HealthyPoison

Did great as Varro in Spartacus. Will reserve judgement till there is footage, but so far looks like a good choice.
rockkicker

they are taking john mcClane to a place he was never intended to go. how can he be a half-drunk, tough as nails cop in the first 3, then all of a sudden morph into international spy homeland security washington warrior?
- Kaim
  
  Maybe that will be the appeal to something different.. John McClane out of his element. Or did you want the same as the first 4 movies?
  - http://www.facebook.com/ponchoandy Andy Ortega
    
    I wouldn't mind the same as the first 4 movies. They're good popcorn fun.
    - Solo_Calrissian
      
      Agreed.
Meow

I agree with kicker. And it better be "R" or I won't go see it. Yeah, I'm talking about you, "EX2." I hate Chuck Norris.
- SleepInduced
  
  I second that notion my good sir!
- Dirty Dutchman
  
  Well said.
- Solo_Calrissian
  
  For sure. On a side note, Terry Crews said on Facebook that the reason for the PG-13 (in addition to Charles Norris) was that the budget was $150mil and wouldnt have made the money it needed to make to be a franchise if they left it rated "R." Not saying I dont buy it (bc I like Crews), but I would have rather it had an $80-$90Mil budget and an over-the-top 'R' to meet the over-the-top all-star cast like the first one.
brotchscandy

If Aaron Paul was considered, I'll be disappointed with anyone BUT Aaron Paul. Bitch.
Johnny Neat

This better not be a handing of the baton bullshit idea. John McClane is Bruce Willis, he is Die Hard, period, nuff said.I wasn't happy with the lame DH4 but John McClane is still my favorite action hero character. Always felt he was an everyman, like most of our dads. Ok, well without the insane action movie luck or the Arnold and Stallone workout madness super hero bodies.
frelling_cute

Holly McClain please.