Die Hard Fans Will Enjoy Taron Egerton’s New Christmas Action Movie Streaming on Netflix

Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie? The Debate Continues with Netflix’s Carry-On

The question of whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas film has sparked passionate discussions among movie enthusiasts for decades. As we head into December 2024, Netflix has introduced another contender to this festive debate: the action thriller Carry-On, directed by a modern vision. Released in a time where holiday-themed films typically dominate, this new entry may prompt fans to reconsider their definitions of holiday cinema.

A Legacy of John McClane

Since its debut in 1988, John McTiernan’s Die Hard has established a significant cultural footprint. The film showcases Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York detective trapped in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a terrorist attack on Christmas Eve. Its unique combination of action and a holiday backdrop led many fans to argue that it should be classified as a Christmas movie, a sentiment that continues to elicit debate.

The success of Die Hard spawned a franchise, resulting in several sequels:

Die Hard 2 (1990)
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

Introducing Carry-On: A New Thriller for the Holidays

In a refreshing twist, Netflix’s Carry-On arrives with striking similarities to Die Hard, crafted to captivate audiences looking for an exhilarating alternative to traditional holiday films. This 2024 action thriller stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA officer navigating a high-stakes scenario set on Christmas Eve.

The Plot Unfolds

As the film progresses, Ethan inadvertently receives an ominous earpiece leading him to instructions from a mysterious figure, portrayed by Jason Bateman. The plot escalates when Ethan discovers that failing to comply with these commands could jeopardize his girlfriend, Nora Parisi, also working at the airport. With the clock ticking, Ethan must act decisively to avert disaster while ensuring Nora’s safety.

Meet the Cast of Carry-On

Cast Member	Character
Taron Egerton	Ethan Dog
Jason Bateman	The Mysterious Traveler
Logan Marshall-Green	Agent Alcott
Sofia Carson	Nora Parisi
Danielle Deadwyler	Elena Cole
Theo Rossi	The Mysterious Watcher
Dean Norris	Phil Sarkowski
Sinqua Walls	Jason Noble
Josh Brener	Herschel
Curtiss Cook	Lionel Williams

Why Carry-On is Perfect for Die Hard Fans

Carry-On features action-packed sequences similar to Die Hard, making it an exciting addition for fans of the classic film. Both movies share a common setting—Christmas Eve—where a hero confronts formidable foes under immense pressure. While John McClane faces off against an armed group of terrorists, Ethan Kopek must fight to gain control over a potentially dangerous package slipping through airport security.

Given their parallel narratives and festive settings, it’s no surprise that Carry-On is being dubbed as a spiritual successor to Die Hard. Taron Egerton himself acknowledged this in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating:

“This film made me feel very Christmassy — that’s what I would love for it to do. Die Hard is a Christmas movie. This is a Christmas movie. I hope audiences love it.”

As holiday cinematic offerings expand beyond traditional narratives, Carry-On stands ready to delight those in search of thrilling entertainment during the festive season. Whether you categorize it alongside classics like It’s a Wonderful Life or as part of the action genre, viewers are sure to have a riveting experience.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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