Jack Reacher is a fictional character created by British author Lee Child. He is a former United States Army Military Police officer and drifter who roams the country taking odd jobs and helping those in need. Reacher is a large, imposing man with a distinctive appearance, including a shaved head and a goatee. He is also a highly skilled fighter and marksman.
Since his first appearance in the 1997 novel Killing Floor, Reacher has become a popular character, appearing in 26 novels and several short stories. He has also been portrayed in two films and a television series.
In this article, we will take a look at the actors who have played Jack Reacher on screen and discuss their performances.
who plays jack reacher
Here are 9 important points about the actors who have played Jack Reacher on screen:
- Tom Cruise
- Alan Ritchson
- Two actors
- 2012 film
- 2016 sequel
- 2022 Amazon series
- Physical differences
- Acting choices
- Fan reactions
These are just a few of the key points to consider when discussing the actors who have played Jack Reacher. Ultimately, it is up to each individual fan to decide who they think best embodies the character.
Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is an American actor, producer, and filmmaker. He has starred in a wide variety of films, including action, drama, comedy, and science fiction. Cruise is one of the most successful actors in Hollywood, having starred in several blockbuster films and earning three Academy Award nominations.
In 2012, Cruise played Jack Reacher in the film of the same name. The film was based on the novel One Shot by Lee Child. Cruise's performance in the film was met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised his physicality and action sequences, while others found him to be miscast in the role.
Cruise reprised the role of Jack Reacher in the 2016 sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. The film was a critical and commercial failure, leading to speculation that Cruise would not return to the role. However, in 2022, it was announced that Cruise would be producing and starring in a new Jack Reacher film for Amazon Prime Video.
Cruise's portrayal of Jack Reacher has been the subject of much debate among fans of the character. Some fans believe that Cruise is too short and muscular for the role, while others appreciate his charisma and action star credentials. Ultimately, it is up to each individual fan to decide whether or not they believe Cruise is the right actor to play Jack Reacher.
Despite the mixed reviews, Cruise's performance in the Jack Reacher films is still notable for its physicality and action sequences. Cruise is known for performing his own stunts, and he brings a sense of realism to the fight scenes in the films.
Alan Ritchson
Alan Ritchson is an American actor, model, and singer. He is known for his roles as Aquaman in the television series Smallville, Thad Castle in the comedy series Blue Mountain State, and Reacher in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher.
Ritchson was cast as Jack Reacher in the 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher. The series is based on the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child. Ritchson's performance in the series has been praised by critics and fans alike, with many people saying that he is the perfect actor to play the character.
Ritchson is a physically imposing actor, standing at 6'2" and weighing 235 pounds. He is also a skilled fighter and martial artist. These physical attributes make him well-suited to the role of Jack Reacher, who is described in the novels as being a large, powerful man.
In addition to his physicality, Ritchson also brings a sense of vulnerability and intelligence to the role of Jack Reacher. He is able to convey the character's inner turmoil and his struggles with his past. Ritchson's performance is also notable for its humor, which is often used to lighten the mood of the series.
Overall, Alan Ritchson's performance in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher is a tour de force. He brings the character of Jack Reacher to life in a way that is both faithful to the novels and also fresh and original. Ritchson's performance is sure to please fans of the books and newcomers to the character alike.
Two actors
Two actors have played Jack Reacher on screen: Tom Cruise and Alan Ritchson.
- Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise is an American actor, producer, and filmmaker. He is known for his roles in films such as Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. Cruise played Jack Reacher in the 2012 film of the same name and its 2016 sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.
- Alan Ritchson
Alan Ritchson is an American actor, model, and singer. He is known for his roles in films and television shows such as Smallville, Blue Mountain State, and Titans. Ritchson plays Jack Reacher in the 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher.
Both Cruise and Ritchson have their own unique strengths and weaknesses in the role of Jack Reacher. Cruise is a more experienced actor with a wider range of credits, but he is also significantly shorter than the character is described in the novels. Ritchson is closer to the character's physical description, and he also brings a sense of vulnerability and intelligence to the role that Cruise lacked.
2012 film
The 2012 film Jack Reacher is based on the novel One Shot by Lee Child. The film was directed by Christopher McQuarrie and stars Tom Cruise in the title role. The film follows Reacher as he investigates the sniper killings of five people in Pittsburgh and uncovers a conspiracy involving corrupt police officers and politicians.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $218 million worldwide. However, the film was also controversial among fans of the Jack Reacher novels. Many fans were disappointed with Cruise's casting, as they felt that he was too short and muscular for the role. Others felt that the film was too action-oriented and did not capture the character of Jack Reacher as written in the novels.
Despite the controversy, the 2012 film Jack Reacher is still a solid action thriller. Cruise is charismatic in the lead role, and the film features some exciting action sequences. However, fans of the Jack Reacher novels may be disappointed with the film's portrayal of the character.
Overall, the 2012 film Jack Reacher is a well-made action thriller with a strong performance from Tom Cruise. However, fans of the Jack Reacher novels may be disappointed with the film's portrayal of the character.
2016 sequel
The 2016 sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is based on the novel Never Go Back by Lee Child. The film was directed by Edward Zwick and stars Tom Cruise in the title role. The film follows Reacher as he investigates a conspiracy involving a military police officer and a private military company.
- Critical and commercial failure
The film was a critical and commercial failure, grossing only $162 million worldwide against a production budget of $60 million. Critics普遍认为这部电影是一部平淡无奇的动作惊悚片，缺乏第一部电影的新鲜感和兴奋感。
- Cruise's performance
Cruise's performance in the film was also criticized, with many critics saying that he seemed bored and disinterested in the role. Some critics also felt that Cruise was too old to play the character of Jack Reacher.
- Changes from the novel
The film also made a number of changes from the novel, which angered some fans of the books. For example, the film moved the setting of the story from New York City to Washington, D.C., and it changed the ending of the story.
- Franchise in doubt
The failure of the 2016 sequel has cast doubt on the future of the Jack Reacher franchise. It is unclear whether Cruise will return to the role in another film, and it is also unclear whether a new actor will be cast in the role.
Overall, the 2016 sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is a disappointing film that fails to live up to the promise of the first film. Cruise's performance is lackluster, the story is unoriginal, and the film makes a number of unnecessary changes from the novel.
2022 Amazon series
The 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher is based on the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child. The series stars Alan Ritchson in the title role. The series follows Reacher as he investigates various cases and uncovers conspiracies.
- Critical acclaim
The series has been met with critical acclaim, with many critics praising Ritchson's performance and the show's faithfulness to the novels. The series has also been praised for its action sequences and its exploration of Reacher's character.
- Ritchson's performance
Ritchson's performance as Reacher has been particularly praised by critics. Many have said that he is the perfect actor to play the character, and that he brings a sense of physicality and vulnerability to the role. Ritchson has also been praised for his comedic timing and his ability to convey Reacher's intelligence and wit.
- Faithfulness to the novels
The series has also been praised for its faithfulness to the Jack Reacher novels. The show's creators have worked closely with Lee Child to ensure that the series is true to the spirit of the books. This has been appreciated by fans of the novels, who have said that the show is the best adaptation of the books to date.
- Renewal for a second season
Due to the positive critical and commercial reception, the series was renewed for a second season in February 2022. This is a testament to the quality of the show and its popularity with audiences.
Overall, the 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher is a well-made and entertaining adaptation of the Jack Reacher novels. Ritchson is excellent in the title role, and the series is faithful to the spirit of the books. Fans of the novels and newcomers to the character alike are sure to enjoy the series.
Physical differences
There are a number of physical differences between Tom Cruise and Alan Ritchson, the two actors who have played Jack Reacher on screen.
- Height
Cruise is 5'7" tall, while Ritchson is 6'2" tall. This makes Ritchson a more physically imposing figure, which is more in line with the character of Jack Reacher as described in the novels.
- Weight
Cruise weighs 170 pounds, while Ritchson weighs 235 pounds. This makes Ritchson a much more muscular and powerful figure, which is also more in line with the character of Jack Reacher.
- Hair color
Cruise has brown hair, while Ritchson has blond hair. This is a minor difference, but it does affect the overall look of the two actors.
- Facial hair
Cruise is clean-shaven, while Ritchson has a beard. This is another minor difference, but it also affects the overall look of the two actors.
Overall, there are a number of physical differences between Tom Cruise and Alan Ritchson. These differences have led to some debate among fans of the Jack Reacher novels about which actor is better suited to the role. Some fans prefer Cruise's more rugged and experienced look, while others prefer Ritchson's more physically imposing and intimidating look.
Acting choices
In addition to their physical differences, Tom Cruise and Alan Ritchson also made different acting choices in their portrayals of Jack Reacher. Cruise played the character as a more stoic and serious figure, while Ritchson played the character as a more charismatic and approachable figure.
Cruise's portrayal of Reacher was more in line with the character as described in the novels. Reacher is often described as being a loner who is not afraid to use violence to get what he wants. Cruise captured this aspect of the character well, and he also brought a sense of intensity and determination to the role.
Ritchson's portrayal of Reacher was more of a departure from the character as described in the novels. Ritchson played Reacher as a more charming and charismatic figure, and he also brought a sense of humor to the role. This interpretation of the character was not as faithful to the novels, but it was still effective and enjoyable.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual fan to decide which actor's portrayal of Jack Reacher they prefer. There is no right or wrong answer, as both Cruise and Ritchson brought their own unique strengths to the role.
It is also worth noting that the different acting choices made by Cruise and Ritchson were likely influenced by the different directors they worked with. Cruise worked with Christopher McQuarrie on the 2012 film Jack Reacher and its 2016 sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. McQuarrie is known for his action-oriented films, and his direction likely influenced Cruise's decision to play Reacher as a more stoic and serious figure.
Fan reactions
Fan reactions to the different actors who have played Jack Reacher have been mixed.
- Tom Cruise
When it was announced that Tom Cruise would be playing Jack Reacher, many fans were disappointed. They felt that Cruise was too short and muscular for the role, and that he did not have the right look or temperament to play the character. However, Cruise's performance in the 2012 film Jack Reacher surprised many fans. Cruise brought a sense of intensity and determination to the role, and he captured the character's stoic and serious demeanor. Despite his physical differences from the character as described in the novels, Cruise's performance was ultimately well-received by many fans.
- Alan Ritchson
When it was announced that Alan Ritchson would be playing Jack Reacher in the 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher, many fans were excited. Ritchson is closer to the character's physical description in the novels, and he also has a more charismatic and approachable demeanor than Cruise. Ritchson's performance in the series has been praised by many fans, who say that he is the perfect actor to play Jack Reacher. However, some fans have criticized Ritchson's performance, saying that he is too charming and likable, and that he does not have the same intensity as Cruise.
Overall, fan reactions to the different actors who have played Jack Reacher have been mixed. Some fans prefer Cruise's more stoic and serious portrayal of the character, while others prefer Ritchson's more charismatic and approachable portrayal. Ultimately, it is up to each individual fan to decide which actor they think best embodies the character of Jack Reacher.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the actors who have played Jack Reacher:
Question 1: Who has played Jack Reacher in movies and TV shows?
Answer 1: Tom Cruise played Jack Reacher in the 2012 film Jack Reacher and its 2016 sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. Alan Ritchson plays Jack Reacher in the 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher.
Question 2: Which actor is better suited to the role of Jack Reacher?
Answer 2: This is a matter of opinion. Some fans prefer Tom Cruise's more stoic and serious portrayal of the character, while others prefer Alan Ritchson's more charismatic and approachable portrayal. Ultimately, it is up to each individual fan to decide which actor they think best embodies the character of Jack Reacher.
Question 3: How faithful are the film and TV adaptations to the Jack Reacher novels?
Answer 3: The 2012 film Jack Reacher is relatively faithful to the novel One Shot, on which it is based. However, the 2016 sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back makes a number of significant changes from the novel Never Go Back. The 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher is more faithful to the Jack Reacher novels overall, although it does make some changes to the characters and storylines.
Question 4: Will there be more Jack Reacher movies or TV shows in the future?
Answer 4: It is unclear whether there will be more Jack Reacher movies or TV shows in the future. The decision will likely depend on the success of the 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher. If the series is successful, it is possible that Amazon will renew it for a second season or even more seasons. It is also possible that another film adaptation of the Jack Reacher novels could be made in the future.
Question 5: Who is the author of the Jack Reacher novels?
Answer 5: Lee Child is the author of the Jack Reacher novels. He has written 26 novels and several short stories featuring the character.
Question 6: Where can I find the Jack Reacher novels and TV shows?
Answer 6: The Jack Reacher novels can be found at most major bookstores and online retailers. The 2012 film Jack Reacher and its 2016 sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back are available on DVD and streaming services. The 2022 Amazon Prime Video series Reacher is available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the actors who have played Jack Reacher. For more information, please visit the official Jack Reacher website or the websites of the individual actors.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few tips for fans of the Jack Reacher novels and TV shows:
Tips
Here are a few tips for fans of the Jack Reacher novels and TV shows:
Tip 1: Read the Jack Reacher novels in order.
Lee Child has written 26 Jack Reacher novels, and they are best read in order. This will allow you to follow the character's development and see how he changes over time. The novels are also full of interesting characters and storylines that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Tip 2: Watch the Jack Reacher movies and TV shows.
There are two Jack Reacher movies and one Jack Reacher TV series. The movies star Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher, while the TV series stars Alan Ritchson. Both Cruise and Ritchson give excellent performances as Reacher, and the movies and TV series are both well-made and entertaining. If you are a fan of the novels, you will definitely want to check out the movies and TV shows.
Tip 3: Visit the official Jack Reacher website.
The official Jack Reacher website is a great resource for fans of the character. The website contains information about the novels, the movies, the TV series, and the author Lee Child. You can also find news, interviews, and other exclusive content on the website.
Tip 4: Join a Jack Reacher fan club or online forum.
There are a number of Jack Reacher fan clubs and online forums where you can connect with other fans of the character. This is a great way to discuss the novels, the movies, the TV series, and anything else related to Jack Reacher. You can also find out about upcoming events and meetups related to Jack Reacher.
These are just a few tips for fans of the Jack Reacher novels and TV shows. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Jack Reacher experience.
Whether you are a new fan of Jack Reacher or a longtime fan, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So dive into the world of Jack Reacher today and see what all the fuss is about.
Conclusion
Jack Reacher is a popular character who has been brought to life on screen by two talented actors, Tom Cruise and Alan Ritchson. Both actors have their own unique strengths and weaknesses in the role, but they both capture the essence of the character in their own way.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual fan to decide which actor they think best embodies the character of Jack Reacher. There is no right or wrong answer, as both Cruise and Ritchson bring something special to the role. Whether you prefer Cruise's more stoic and serious portrayal or Ritchson's more charismatic and approachable portrayal, there is no denying that both actors have done a great job of bringing Jack Reacher to life.
So if you are a fan of the Jack Reacher novels, or if you are just looking for a good action-thriller, be sure to check out the movies and TV shows starring Tom Cruise and Alan Ritchson. You won't be disappointed.
And remember, whether you are a fan of Tom Cruise, Alan Ritchson, or both, we can all agree on one thing: Jack Reacher is one heck of a character.