Bruce Willis: Live Free, Die Hard, File Lawsuit

Not only won't Bruce Willis die, he'll issue a challenge to those who are considering doing so: Live Free or Die Hard.

Indeed, this take on New Hampshire's state motto will be the tagline for the fourth installment of the Die Hard series, set to hit theaters July 4 weekend, 2007.

The Gossip would prefer to Live Free, no doubt, but we're glad Willis has signed up again to try and die as hard as he can.

In the film, there's an attack on our country's computer infrastructure, but the perpetrator of this cyber-terrorism, as Variety puts it, "never expected an old-fashioned cop to mess up his plans."

Forget Snakes on a Plane. This is John McClain on the Internet!

In the meantime, Willis has childhood evils to right before the movie comes out. TMZ has obtained a lawsuit filed by the actor against one of his oldest friends, claiming the pal is attempting a "shakedown."

The suit, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that Bruce DiMattia and Willis were childhood friends. Court documents allege that from 2002 - 2006, DiMattia was employed by Willis.

One of DiMattia's responsibilities, the documents states, was to "organize private family photographs, videotapes, DVDs and films depicting Willis and his family members." Willis also says by nature of DiMattia's employment, he "acquired knowledge of certain highly personal, private and confidential information" about Willis and his family.

The suit says that in addition to "other compensation" paid to DiMattia, DiMattia lived rent free in a home owned by Willis.

After the termination of DiMattia's employment, however, the old buddy refused to move out of the home owned by Willis and has "wrongfully retained possession" of certain private photos and videos.

Too bad this guy isn't Jewish or gay - Willis could just stick Mel Gibson on him.

The suit also claims that DiMattia informed Willis that he had "surreptitiously prepared a book manuscript" which features private information about the star which contains what Willis says are "several falsehoods and lies that could embarrass [him]" and that this manuscript has allegedly already been shown to at least three book publishing companies.

Willis says that DiMattia has "threatened to unlawfully exploit private family photographs and memorabilia belonging to Mr. Willis, and to sell a manuscript containing lies about Mr. Willis" unless Willis "agrees to pay him over $100,000 and buy him a car."

Willis is seeking an excess of $1 million in damages and asks for return of Willis' private mementos. He also wants to name a movie, Die Hard 5: Just Move Out Already!