12 Movie Franchises That Ruined Their Iconic Character

By Jack Pooley /

9. Die Hard (John McClane)

20th Century Fox

John McClane (Bruce Willis) is one of the most unforgettable action heroes ever: a charming, no-nonsense everyman who springs into action when the time calls for it.

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Willis' charm managed to prevail through the first four movies even if the films themselves were fairly inconsistent, but the fourth sequel, A Good Day to Die Hard, effectively turned the character into a miserable dope.

With more outlandish action than ever before, McClane was a million miles away from the more relatable Average Joe of at least the first movie, to say nothing of the fact that a bored-looking Willis failed to bring the expected charm to the table.

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Willis is set to reprise the role for a "final" sixth movie, McClane, and sadly there's more worry than excitement given the potential to ruin the essence of the character even further.