Random 'Die Hard' Fan Theories (14 items)

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  (#8) Hans Gruber Is The Anti-Santa Claus

  In tune with the anti-capitalist themes throughout the film, Redditor /u/fultron suggests that the movie carries an anti-consumerism message. Labeling Gruber the “free market anti-Claus,” the theory states that the hostages are prisoners of the system long before they go to work that day. The world has been fooled into thinking happiness can be bought by acquiring the latest gadgets and fancy suits, especially around the holidays. 

  Gruber takes advantage of this mindset by planning to rob Nakatomi Plaza of their yearly profits. However, McClane, who represents the average working American doing everything he can to spend the holidays with his family, puts a stop to it. He’s able to do this by rejecting consumerism, which is demonstrated by his lack of footwear and ratty tank top. 

  Ultimately, Gruber learns the meaning of Christmas when he overestimates Holly’s attachment to her new watch. She gladly lets it slip from her wrist to ensure that Gruber meets his demise and to put an end to the debauchery of the evening. 
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  (#14) Gruber Is Severus Snape On A Mission For Voldemort

  Even though this Redditor came up with his Die Hard fan theory to get his wife to watch the movie with him, it’s still plausible. The theory suggests that Gruber is actually Severus Snape (also played by Alan Rickman) on a mission for Tom Riddle long before he becomes known as Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). 

  Riddle needs funds to assist his uprising and decides that obtaining muggle money is the best way to go about it. He sends Snape, his most loyal follower, to the United States because it’s outside  the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Magic. Riddle gives him strict instructions not to use magic and to hire an all-muggle crew to help him accomplish his goal. However, Snape is unprepared when McClane, a muggle, shows up and foils his plans. 

  When we see Snape falling from the building as Gruber, he apparates back to London and leaves behind a magical illusion depicting his demise. Snape then must explain to Riddle why he doesn’t have the money, but the Dark Lord has a backup plan and is still able to find a way to fund his uprising. 
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  (#7) ‘Live Free Or Die Hard’ Stars Cop-Turned-Actor John McClane

  Many Die Hard fans discount the more recent films in the franchise, claiming they don’t do the first three movies justice. While the obvious changes in tone and McClane’s character were likely a studio decision so the films would appeal to a wider audience, Redditor /u/Shaneonreddit posted a theory that also makes sense. 

  Claiming the theory comes from a “friend,” it suggests that the first three Die Hard films are the true accounts of what happened to McClane. Afterward, he becomes a countrywide hero who inspires movies to be made in his name. Rather than hiring an actor to depict the former police officer, the filmmakers decide to allow McClane to star in the films himself. This is when Live Free or Die Hard and the films that follow are developed. 

  This could explain the difference in the fourth and fifth films' tones, as well as McClane’s character differences, such as ditching the cigarettes and cleaning up his language. The fan theory takes it even further, claiming this explains why McClane’s children are portrayed by two different actors.
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  (#12) The Franchise Takes Place In The Matrix 

  In the fourth movie in the franchise, Live Free or Die Hard, we are introduced to computer hacker Matt Farrell (Justin Long). McClane is hired by the FBI to track him down, but things don’t go according to plan. Redditor /u/darkamyy’s fan theory suggests that the entire movie takes place within the Matrix and that Farrell is actually a version of Neo (Keanu Reeves) if Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) hadn’t contacted him. 

  The theory backs this up by pointing out all of the power outages, suggesting this is the result of Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and his team trying to shut down the system and wake up more people. Agents are trying to get to Farrell before he realizes his potential as Neo or because they believe he can lead them to Morpheus. 

  Additionally, McClane seems to be able to bend the rules of the Matrix. Most movie fans accept the action-packed stunts Willis pulls off in this film as added entertainment value, but this Redditor has suggested a different theory. They think McClane is either an agent or was given the abilities of one to avoid suspicion while working for them to get Farrell. 
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  (#1) Gruber Planned To Eliminate His Henchmen

  One of the plot holes in Die Hard that fans like to point out is the fact that the getaway vehicle wouldn’t have been able to fit all of the terrorists. Not even close! The ambulance is far too small, especially considering that it would also be packed with stacks of bank bonds. Redditor /u/thistlemusic has a theory that just might explain the situation.

  As we know, Gruber’s plan was to force all of the hostages onto the building’s roof and blow it up to make sure the police thought it was a terrorist attack. Even though McClane ends up taking out most of his men - leaving plenty of room in the ambulance - Gruber couldn't have expected that to occur. However, he may not have intended to make his getaway with his henchmen anyway.

  This Redditor suggests that Gruber planned to set off the detonator while his henchmen were still on the roof, ensuring the body count would be higher than the number of hostages. By doing this, it would confirm to police that terrorists were behind the attack and they intentionally took their own lives in the explosion. Gruber could then make his getaway with the cash and no one would be the wiser.
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  (#11) It's In The Same Universe As Shows On ABC’s TGIF

  Redditor /u/morbidmovies feels that Die Hard shares a universe not only with Family Matters, but all of the shows that played during ABC’s TGIF program block in the '90s.

  Harriette Winslow (Jo Marie Payton) worked in a newspaper office on the show Perfect Strangers, which premiered in 1987. She then moved from Chicago to Los Angeles with her husband, Carl, where he joined the LAPD and partook in the events that occur in Die Hard. Harriette decided LA was too dangerous and convinced Carl to move back to Chicago and settle down with their family. This is when the show Family Matters begins. 

  To further prove this theory, the Redditor points out that Urkel is linked to several other shows in this universe by making appearances in Full House, Step by Step, and Meego. Since we all know Urkel is quite the inventor, it makes perfect sense for him to have the ability to time-travel and make his rounds in the TGIF universe.

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