Denzel Washington’s Hidden Die Hard Connection Revealed

From the start, Denzel Washington has been widely recognized for his acting skills. However, much like today, his career in the ’80s and ’90s wasn’t markedly different in terms of diversity. In contemporary films, you’ll find action movies like “The Equalizer” and “Gladiator II” released alongside dramas such as “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “Fences.” During his earlier career, he also balanced critically acclaimed projects like “Cry Freedom” and “Malcolm X” with smaller action films such as “The Mighty Quinn” and “Ricochet.” Notably, “Ricochet” shares a connection with what is often considered the pinnacle of the action genre: “Die Hard.

There’s a slight link between these movies, but it exists nonetheless. Given that “Die Hard” is from 20th Century Studios and “Ricochet” comes from Warner Bros., it’s quite unexpected. The probable explanation? Both “Die Hard” and the original version of “Ricochet” (which was meant to be a sequel to “Dirty Harry”) were overseen by producer Joel Silver. So, how are these films connected? Let’s uncover the connection.

How Does Ricochet Connect to Die Hard?

Essentially, the link between “Ricochet” and “Die Hard” is established through a common actor: Mary Ellen Trainor. She portrayed the same character, Gail Wallens, in both films. In “Die Hard,” Gail was one of the news anchors reporting on the unfolding events at Nakatomi Plaza.

In the movie “Ricochet,” Trainor’s on-screen time as Wallens is quite limited. She mostly discusses the downfall of Washington’s character. On the other hand, in “Die Hard,” she appears in several scenes, such as exposing Hans Gruber’s true identity and interviewing a psychologist. Essentially, her role in both films isn’t central, but her presence adds an entertaining element that serves as an Easter egg for viewers.

What is Ricochet About?

In this rendition, Denzel Washington plays Nick Styles, a new LAPD officer and law student turned assistant district attorney. One fateful night during patrol, Styles confronts hitman Earl Talbot Blake (portrayed by John Lithgow) at a carnival after he’d just killed some drug dealers and taken a hostage. In the ensuing standoff, Styles shoots Blake in the knee. This act earns him widespread acclaim as a hero, while Blake (along with his partner) is sent to prison, where bitterness fuels his desire for revenge.

Following their getaway, Blake and his newly formed Aryan Brotherhood associates falsely accuse Styles of embezzling municipal funds (and this is where Wallens enters the picture). Blake proceeds to damage Styles’ reputation, leading to the loss of his relationship, job, and public goodwill. However, when Styles stages his own demise with the assistance of his long-time friend turned drug dealer (Ice-T), he takes control over Blake, even summoning the media to uncover who is truly responsible for all the charges leveled against Styles.

Ricochet is not currently available to stream, but Die Hard can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

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2025-01-27 05:12