Peter Billingsley Sets the Record Straight on ‘Die Hard’ as a Christmas Movie, Director’s Perspective

The star of “A Christmas Story,” Peter Billingsley, told in an interview how he convinced director Jan de Bont that “Die Hard” is more than just an action movie. 

Peter Billingsley presents a compelling argument in favor of the enduring discussion regarding whether or not. On the other hand, Willis believes that “Die Hard” is a completely different kind of movie.

With assistance from Jan de Bont, the film’s cinematographer, the 52-year-old actor, who is best known for his role in ‘A Christmas Story’, as well as appearances in other holiday hits like Elf and Four Christmases, talked about everything Die Hard with co-host Steve Byrne on an episode of the podcast A Cinematic Christmas Journey. 

“You are familiar with Jan de Bont’s work—he was the director of Twister and Speed,” Billingsley added. Some of his quotes stated that he did not consider ‘Die Hard’ to be a holiday movie. 

“I just do not see it,” he remarked. So I asked, “May I try to explain to you why this is a Christmas movie?” I am aware that you succeeded. Moreover, I am aware that you have dealt with it since 1988, a very long time ago. He said, ‘Okay.’ ”  

Die Hard was released in theaters in the summer of 1988, but the story of the movie, which centers on Bruce Willis’s character, a New York City police detective who becomes entangled in a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper, takes place on Christmas Eve. 

“I believe my statement, ‘That relationship between John McClane and his estranged wife is broken, but by the end, they learn to forgive each other. They are going to have a wonderful Christmas morning with their children, full of hope and joy, Billingsley says.

He continues, saying that the movie’s main setting is a Christmas party and that “production design put Santas everywhere.” Of course, there is the scene where Willis’s character John McClane “decorates the dead body and puts it into an elevator,” which Billingsley refers to as the iconic moment.”

“I will give you this, though,” Billingsley said to de Bont. Above all, though, I think it embodies the Christmas themes of family, love, forgiveness, and acceptance.

“In addition, Christmas tunes are playing while snow is falling. I think it is a Christmas movie,” he continues. 

The director of Die Hard, John McTiernan, concurs with reviewers and fans who classify the movie as a holiday release.

In 2020, he said to the American Film Institute, “We had not intended it to be a Christmas movie, but the joy that came from it is what turned it into a Christmas movie.” 

But thirty years after the movie’s premiere, Bruce Willis finally offered his opinion on the Die Hard controversy during Comedy Central’s 2018 Roast of Bruce Willis. “I only did this roast to put an end to this once and for all,” Willis declared. “Pay close attention now—Die Hard is not a Christmas film! It’s a goddamn Bruce Willis movie.” 

Willis may have been wrong, but Billingsley persuaded de Bont otherwise. 

“I went through my criteria,” he said, “and I have never thought about it that way.” He said, “You have finally persuaded me that this is a Christmas movie.” And my response was, “Yes!” It was cool to be able to influence a filmmaker’s perspective.”

Billingsley and his co-host Steve Byrne posted a video to Instagram in which they can be seen laughing and smiling while de Bont acknowledges their disagreement.

“Die Hard,” which starred Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, and the late Alan Rickman, debuted in July 1988. It is the tale of a New York City police officer who goes to parties on Christmas Eve and attempts to free hostages who have been taken hostage by terrorists.

A Christmas Story” star Peter Billingsley is making a pretty good case for the long-standing debate about whether or not. However, Willis, on the other hand, views “Die Hard” as a very different kind of film.