Did you know that Nakatomi Plaza is actually Fox Plaza, a real skyscraper located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles? This iconic building gained fame as the setting for the 1988 action film Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis as John McClane.
It was more than 20 years ago when I first saw Nakatomi Plaza – in our living room while watching a movie that will eventually become my favorite one.
Quick Facts: Nakatomi Plaza (Fox Plaza)
- Real Name: Fox Plaza
- Address: 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, Los Angeles, CA
- Completed: 1987 (The building was brand new during filming!)
- Height: 35 stories (150 m / 492 ft)
- Can You Visit? Exterior only; it is a private office building.
- Famous Resident: Former President Ronald Reagan kept his post-presidency office on the 34th floor for several years.
Is Nakatomi Plaza a Real Building?
Yes! Nakatomi Plaza is indeed a real building, known as Fox Plaza. Completed in 1987, it quickly became a landmark due to its role in Die Hard. The building’s sleek, modern design made it the perfect backdrop for the film’s intense action sequences.
In fall of 2013 we were driving on W Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles when I saw it in flash.
Fox Plaza is a 35-story, 150 m (490 ft) skyscraper located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars in Century City, Los Angeles. It was built in 1987 and it’s owned and managed by Orange County-based The Irvine Company. Fox Plaza is also 20th Century Fox’s official headquarters.
Where Was Die Hard Filmed?
Die Hard was primarily filmed at Fox Plaza, which served as the fictional Nakatomi Corporation’s headquarters. The building’s unique architecture and location in Los Angeles made it an ideal choice for the film’s setting.
Behind the Scenes: The “Under Construction” Reality
Do you remember the plot? On Christmas Eve NYC police officer John McClane arrives in L.A. to make peace with his wife Holly. McClane is driven to the Nakatomi Plaza building where he attends a company’s Christmas party. However, the party is disrupted by the arrival of Hans Gruber and his heavily armed group.
In the movie, the building housed the headquarters of the Nakatomi Corporation. One of the reasons the film feels so gritty and authentic is that the building was actually still under construction during filming.
The scenes where McClane explores unfinished floors with raw concrete and construction equipment were real. In fact, many of the loud gunfights had to be filmed after 5 PM because real lawyers and executives were working in the offices on the finished lower floors during the day!
Fun Fact: When Ronald Reagan’s aides first toured the 34th floor to set up his office in 1989, they reportedly found the floor still littered with blank shell casings from the movie’s production.
Filming Die Hard at Fox Plaza presented unique challenges and opportunities. The building was still under construction during filming, which added authenticity to the movie’s setting. The filmmakers used the building’s unfinished floors to create realistic action sequences, making the film’s stunts even more thrilling.
Not Just Nakatomi: Other Movie Appearances
While it will always be Nakatomi Plaza to us, Fox Plaza has a long Hollywood resume:
- Speed (1994): The opening scene where a bomb is placed in an elevator was filmed in the Fox Plaza lobby.
- Fight Club (1999): It is one of the buildings brought down in the final “Project Mayhem” montage.
- Airheads (1994): The building is the main setting for the radio station heist.
- Grand Theft Auto V: Gamers can visit the building in-game, where it is known as Weazel Plaza.
Can You Visit Nakatomi Plaza Today? (Fan Tips)
While you can’t tour the inside of Fox Plaza, it is a must-see for fans visiting Los Angeles.
- The Best Hero Shot: Don’t just stand at the front door. For the best “poster-style” photo, head to the top level of the Westfield Century City parking garage across the street.
- The Lobby: You can walk up to the glass entrance to see the pink granite lobby. Look at the elevators—they are the same ones used by Hans Gruber and his team.
- The Street View: Drive by on W Olympic Blvd or Avenue of the Stars to get that “Argyle’s limo” perspective.
Fun Facts About Fox Plaza
- Cultural Icon: Nakatomi Plaza has become a cultural icon, referenced in various films, TV shows, and video games. Its association with Die Hard has made it a must-see for fans visiting Los Angeles.
- Other Appearances: Beyond Die Hard, Fox Plaza has appeared in several other films and TV shows due to its distinctive design.
- Public Access: While Fox Plaza is not open for public tours, you can view it from outside. It’s located in Century City, a bustling area known for its entertainment industry connections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nakatomi Plaza
Nakatomi Plaza is located at 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, Los Angeles.
No, Fox Plaza is a private office building and not open for public tours.
Yes, you can view the building from the street, making it a popular photo spot for fans.
Fox Plaza is famously featured in Die Hard and has appeared in other films and TV shows due to its distinctive design.
Nakatomi Plaza is also a Brooklyn-based post-hardcore trio and the best band ever named after a location in Die Hard.
Check more famous filming locations from Los Angeles.
The original article was first published on BrandsAndFilms.com in October, 2013.
