5. No More Superhero McClane
One of the biggest criticisms of the last two Die Hard features has been that McClane has become a superhero. He can survive anything and do anything. As I explained in an earlier piece, this is because the reins of the franchise have been given to people like Len Wiseman and John Moore who grew up on Die Hard and therefore worship McClane and want to see him to unbelievable acts because they believe he can. Smith may be of the same generation as these guys, but there is one major difference that could save the Die Hard franchise and turn Smith into a hero: he's worked with Willis before and they don't get along. No longer is Bruce Willis a hero in Smith's mind. He's a hard to work with actor that made Smith's life a living hell for a very long time. Therefore, Smith has no interest in turning McClane, in turn Willis, into an unstoppable hero. He's going to be more inclined to smash things over McClane's head, throw him off buildings, have bad guys beat him up and make sure he walks away doing more than limping. That's the McClane we all miss and Smith is the guy to bring him back because he would enjoy every second of displeasure for both Willis and McClane. At least I hope. Maybe he can even throw a few one liners Willis' way.