Bruce Willis' blind escape

Jun 17, 2007, 7:00 GMT

Bruce Willis poses for photographers during a press conference to promote the movie \'Die Hard 4.0\' in Tokyo, 12 June 2007. EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWN

Bruce Willis almost lost an eye on the set of his latest movie.

The 52-year-old actor says he took a few serious beatings from his co-stars during his fourth outing as maverick cop John McClane in 'Die Hard 4.0'.

When asked if he was happy to take the punches, he replied: "Oh yes! I really did take it. I got in good shape - I don't like to work out, it's a pain in the ass - but I still took a few hits.

"There's a scene where I have to let Maggie Q really beat me up - while waiting for Justin Long who's taking a long time doing something - and I took a kick to the head from the stunt girl. If she'd kicked me half a second earlier, it would have taken my eye out."

Bruce admitted he is struggling to keep up with younger action heroes, such as James Bond star Daniel Craig, now he is getting older.

He added: "I love all the physical stuff, but the recovery time is a lot longer these days. Keeping up with the kids is tough. Well, they're all in their thirties, but they were kids when the first 'Die Hard' came out, and they've taken everything up to another level - doing things I've never seen anybody do. It's big!"

(C) BANG Media International