Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) raised the stakes with a new partner, bigger explosions, and a game of deadly riddles across New York City. Bruce Willis returns as the always-gritty John McClane, this time teaming up with Samuel L. Jackson’s Zeus to stop a vengeful madman with a personal grudge and a hidden agenda.
But do you remember all the clues, twists, and narrow escapes? Take this high-pressure 10-question quiz and find out if you’re street-smart enough to beat Simon at his own game — or if you’re just another pawn in his deadly puzzle.
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who plays NYPD officer John McClane in Die Hard with a Vengeance?
Correct Answer: Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis returns as John McClane, the grizzled, sarcastic cop who just can’t seem to catch a break. In this third installment, he’s hungover, suspended, and dragged back into action by a terrorist who knows him all too well. Willis’s iconic mix of vulnerability and toughness is on full display.
- Which actor plays Zeus Carver, who becomes McClane’s reluctant partner?
Correct Answer: Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson plays Zeus Carver, a Harlem shopkeeper who gets pulled into McClane’s mission after saving his life. Their chemistry drives the movie — a buddy dynamic filled with tension, mistrust, and eventually respect. Jackson’s sharp dialogue and commanding presence elevate the film.
- What is the terrorist’s name who orchestrates the city-wide riddles and explosions?
Correct Answer: Simon Gruber
Simon Gruber, played by Jeremy Irons, is the brilliant and ruthless mastermind behind the film’s deadly scavenger hunt. His voice alone creates dread, and his twisted games keep McClane and the NYPD running in circles — all to mask a more sinister plan.
- What is Simon’s relation to the villain from the first Die Hard film?
Correct Answer: He is Hans Gruber’s brother
Simon is revealed to be the brother of Hans Gruber, the iconic villain from the original Die Hard. At first, it seems his actions are motivated by revenge, but this personal connection is actually a smokescreen for something much bigger: stealing billions in gold.
- What city is the main setting for Die Hard with a Vengeance?
Correct Answer: New York City
The film brings the action to the heart of New York City, with McClane and Zeus racing across boroughs to solve puzzles, defuse bombs, and uncover Simon’s real intentions. The urban landscape is used expertly to build tension and scale — from Wall Street to Harlem to the subways.
- What kind of puzzle do McClane and Zeus have to solve at the fountain in the park?
Correct Answer: A water jug riddle
In one memorable scene, the duo must measure exactly 4 gallons of water using a 3-gallon and 5-gallon jug — or a bomb will explode. This classic riddle adds intellectual tension to the film’s action and showcases the characters’ resourcefulness under pressure.
- What does Simon use the riddles and bomb threats to distract the police from?
Correct Answer: A gold heist at the Federal Reserve
While McClane and Zeus are busy running Simon’s gauntlet, he and his crew infiltrate the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and steal over $100 billion in gold bars. The distraction works perfectly — until McClane and Zeus piece it together and follow the trail.
- How do McClane and Zeus survive the subway explosion?
Correct Answer: They narrowly escape through a maintenance tunnel
In a tense sequence, they race to stop a bomb placed on a subway car beneath Wall Street. Although they can’t prevent the explosion entirely, they survive by diving into a service tunnel just in time — a classic Die Hard near-death moment.
- What alias does Simon use when contacting the NYPD?
Correct Answer: Simon Says
Simon introduces himself with the phrase “Simon Says,” evoking the childhood game that mirrors the film’s structure — follow the instructions or face the consequences. It becomes a chilling motif throughout the movie and reinforces his psychological dominance.
- How is Simon finally defeated at the end of the movie?
Correct Answer: McClane shoots down his helicopter
In the climax, McClane uses a revolver and a road sign to shoot down Simon’s helicopter as it tries to flee the Canadian border. It’s a mix of ingenuity and guts — a signature McClane move that delivers satisfying justice and caps off the wild ride.
