The Jack Reacher adaptation as a TV series has found its lead star in former DC Titans actor Alan Ritchson. The actor was mainly picked because he fitted the physical description of the main character of the bestselling book series by author Lee Child.
The creator developed Jack Reacher’s story with a 6’5″ tall man who weighs 210 to 250 pounds in mind. Reacher also has extensive military training, as well as the sharp ability to investigate suspicious activities.
Amazon wants to adopt the Child’s vision from the books to the TV show. Tom Cruise played the character in the movie, but fans couldn’t embrace him because he didn’t look like the character.
“We really are determined to find somebody who can embody that character for Lee and for all of us,” Jennifer Salke, the head Amazon Studios, said during a panel in January. “You may see us take our time really making sure we find that person, whether they exist in our purview or they are new discoveries from somewhere. We are going to do an extensive exploration of who can fit into those shoes.”
Ritchson not leaving Titans
Ritchson, who stands at 6’4″ and weighs 235 pounds, is the best guy to play the role. He’s also quite capable as an actor, as he has a significant number of TV and film credits to his name.
The actor has appeared in The CW’s Smallville as Aquaman and in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie. He’s also Hawk/Hank in the DC series Titans.
According to Deadline, Ritchson has no plans to leave Titans to film Jack Reacher. Titans season 3 is set to begin production in Vancouver this fall, with possible completion by April or May 2021.
Cruise’s friend and co-collaborator Christopher McQuarrie will serve as the executive producer, along with Child. Prison Break’s Nick Santora is going to be the showrunner and head writer.
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Starting with the first book
The Jack Reacher TV adaptation will begin with the first book in the series. But each of Child’s stories can stand alone as an anthology. McQuarrie ad Cruise based the movie version from the story of One Shot.
“Lee Child has created an incredible character and world; it will be the goal of every writer, producer, actor, executive and crew member to capture the essence of Mr. Child’s books,” Santora said. “Luckily Lee has been there, and will continue to be there, to help guide us along the way in this series. He is the pulse of Reacher.”
Amazon has yet to announce the start of production for Jack Reacher, but there is no rush to begin, especially with the threat of COVID-19.
Image used courtesy of Joe Seer/Shutterstock