Tom Cruise’s superhit movie franchise Jack Reacher was converted into a series in 2022. The movie revolved around the life of an ex-Army investigator who steps into a case where a few people are shot dead randomly. It was a two-part franchise namely Jack Reacher and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, released in 2016. Both movies strengthened the actor’s character as a hardcore action hero.
In 2022, the successful franchise was made into a series named Reacher, with Alan Ritchson as the lead. The first season comprised eight episodes and the action-drama series is already among the most-watched series on the OTT platforms. As per reports, the show has been renewed for season two.
Also read-Jack Reacher TV Show in Preparation at Amazon
Alan Ritchson’s comparison with Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher
The books of author Lee Child, he had described Reacher as a bulky man who is 6 feet 5 inches tall and built like a line breaker. The cast of Alan Ritchson proved to be the perfect choice for the role. The actor also had experience in front of the camera with shows like Titans and Blue Mountain State.
In conversation about his titular character and following Tom Cruise’s footsteps, Ritchson said,
“The process was long and time-taking. It took almost a year. But enough people believe that I am the right choice to get the job and I am lucky that I did.”
The actor added that despite the physical structure, it was hard to follow in Tom Cruise’s footsteps. He said,
“He is a tough act to follow. He is a living legend. I don’t think I’m worthy to be mentioned in the same sentence as him. My job is to try and ignore anybody’s preconceived notions about who Reacher is and bring to life the best Reacher that I see on the page. I think we have done that. I only have respect and admiration for what Mr Cruise brought to the franchise.”
Tom Cruise played the role of Jack Reacher in two movies- Jack Reacher and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, which had a combined box office collection of $400 million.
Similarities between Alan Ritchson and Tom Cruise’s character Reacher
Alan Ritchson revealed in the interview that he shares some similarities with his character Reacher. He shared,
“There are parts of myself that I see in Reacher and vice versa. I’m a wanderer. I get bored easily. I started running away when I was 16. I wasn’t escaping any real trauma. I just had to go.”
The actor also revealed an incident in 2010 where he did something Reacher would do, as he chased down a robber. He shared,
“I remember watching a guy break into a car one time and I chased him down. My wife was begging me, ‘Don’t do it. Don’t chase him down!’ and I had to because I saw him break into a car. I pinned him down until the cops came 20 minutes later. I can’t stand by and watch that kind of stuff happen.”
Reacher showrunner Nick Santora and author Lee Child also believe that Alan Ritchson is the right choice for the role and he is everything Reacher is supposed to be.
Along with Alan Ritchson, other cast members include Malcolm Goodwin and Willa Fitzgerald.
Reacher started streaming on February 4, 2022, on Amazon Prime. The second season will stream by the end of 2023.
Source- Men’s Health
