Like a second banking bail-out, Die Hard 5 is coming soon, whether anyone likes it or not. And although Fox and Bruce Willis seem to have been prevaricating over which director they want to follow in the footsteps of John McTiernan, Renny Harlin and Len Wiseman, a decision has now been made.

Quelle surprise, the chosen one is none other than John Moore, the man who had been hotly-tipped to take the helm of Die Hard 5 just a few weeks ago. Then, the announcement that Moore was close to inking a deal to preside over the latest instalment of super-cop John McClane’s big screen adventures was greeted by a collective shrug of disinterest from the online community, only for those same commentators to suddenly sit up and pay attention when a new Fox directorial shortlist was suddenly revealed, this one featuring such fan-friendly names as Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson) and Joe Cornish (Attack the Block).

All a shameless attempt to drum up some publicity for a forthcoming fourquel that few are exactly quaking in anticipation of, following the tepid Live Free or Die Hard? Well, maybe. Because the final decision has now been made, and Die Hard 5 is back where it was before the names of Winding Refn and Cornish were ever dangled, in the care of Behind Enemy Lines and Max Payne man Moore.

No specific details on what Bwillis’s best known alter-ego will be up to this time round, although with the shoot reputedly visiting Russia, it seems this silver screen policeman might be going all Mission to Moscow on us (speaking of franchises long past their sell-by date).

Source: Deadline