Tom Cruisehas played some iconic characters over the course of his career. One of these wasJack Reacher. He played the character in two movies,Jack ReacherandJack Reacher: Never Go Back, and gave him the cool action hero treatment you’d expect. But even though there may have been a third film on the horizon, that ship has sailed.
For many, Cruise was not the best fit for who they thought should play Jack Reacher. But who should play him? How should they act? How should they even look? Regardless of what happens, the main thing to remember is that the franchise can never look back. Here’s why Tom Cruise won’t return to the character of Jack Reacher.
Updated Jun 14, 2025: This article has been updated with additional information to keep the discussion fresh and relevant.
Who Is Jack Reacher?
In 1997, author Lee Child created the character of Jack Reacher for his first book,Killing Floor. The character is described with a very distinct build. He is said to have “a six-pack like a cobbled city street, a chest like asuit of NFL armor, biceps like basketballs, and subcutaneous fat like a Kleenex tissue.” Reacher is also a former military officer, which makes him a dangerous fighter, marksman, and strategist. However, when he left the military, it was not to fight more battles on his own, although that ended up happening to him.
Part of what makes him so interesting is his personality. His stoic nature does not mean that he is without humor. However, he is completely self-sufficient, ensuring he does not need to rely on anyone to survive. Often, Child describes him as someone who gives respect when it is earned and is only concerned with justice being served. This does not always mean he needs to be in the driver’s seat, but it does mean he willsee a plan through to the end.
One of the major aspects of Reacher’s life is that he is a drifter. He has no identification, no bank accounts, and nothing that can be traced without an overwhelming amount of research. His military records do exist, and they are often referenced, but he goes to great lengths to keep himself anonymous. He is said to travel with cash, a single toothbrush, and nothing else. In fact, when his clothing becomes old or soiled, he trashes his old clothing and buys new replacements. There is nothing to hold him down and nothing to hold him back.
Tom Cruise vs Alan Ritchson
As previously stated, Reacher was played by Tom Cruise in two movies,Jack Reacher(2012) andJack Reacher: Never Go Back(2016), bothdirected by Christopher McQuarrie. But the first thing fans of the Lee Child books noticed was that Cruise’s portrayal of Reacher was nothing like his book character.
Cruise is known to be a bit on the shorter side, saying he is 5' 7". He is also shown as wearing numerous varied outfits, driving cars, and interacting with quite a few of people, often calling in favors and meeting with former mentors. These movies are obviously an interpretation of the character, but one that seems quite a bit off from the original intentions of the author.
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In 2022, Prime Video released the first season of their new show,Reacher. The first season followed the plot of the firstJack Reachernovel,Killing Floor, and saw Alan Ritchson playing the title role. Suffice to say, the differences between the two interpretations were night and day.
Ritchson is immediately recognizable as Jack Reacher. He has a quiet demeanor, but it is offset by his 6' 2" frame. Had Lee Child seen Alan Ritchson before writing his books, nobody would have thought twice about where he found his inspiration. The character is shown stepping off a bus with nothing but a clean t-shirt and pants. He is clean-cut and perfectly shaved, with a look of curious disinterest. When we see him, we are immediately drawn to him andvery much intimidated.
How Does Alan Ritchson Feel?
That being said, the comparisons between the two Reachers haven’t been lost on the actors playing them. In a recent interview with Jonatan Blomberg Interviews, Alan Ritchson himself chimed in on the nature of his role, and how he personally feels about superseding Tom Cruise as the televised Jack Reacher. Specifically, he commented on theconstant comparisons with Tom Cruise, and whether he ever gets tired of them. He stated:
Never. Being compared to the most legendary actor of all time? The last film star? I would never tire of being compared to somebody of his stature.
Ritchson would continue by suggesting that the show’s popularity is due in part to Tom Cruise’s previous portrayal of the character, specifically because “[Cruise] brought a lot of eyes to this project that wouldn’t be here otherwise.” There’s clearly no animosity from Ritchson. However, we believe that there’s more than a clear answer as to who portrayed Reacher more authentically.
Alan Ritchson Is a Better Reacher
TheReacherTV show has proven that there is nothing wrong with a better interpretation of a character. We’ve seen it over and over again on TV, in movies, and everywhere in between. For instance, take the Joker from theBatmanfilms. Most people loved Jack Nicholson’s interpretation of the Joker, but were blown away byHeath Ledger’s Joker. When Jared Leto made his attempt at the character years later inSuicide Squad(2016), he was kicked around by audiences because he could never live up to the Ledger hype. Someone just happened to do it better.
Best Shows Like Reacher You Should Watch Next
Reacher proved to be a successful series for Prime Video. If you’re a fan, here are some similar TV shows to watch next.
TheReacherTV series has shown that not only is there an actor who looks the part, but one who can play it as well.Alan Ritchson embodies the Jack Reacher characterin ways that Tom Cruise never could. Cruise is a bundle of energy. He’s set to go off like a time bomb. It’s why we love him, and why we love watching him go nuts and do ridiculous stunts. It makes Cruise perfect for projects like theMission: Impossiblefranchise, where that excess energy can really be put to use.
Ritchson is a completely different beast. He doesn’t need to run or flip out. He needs to be measured, honest, and believable as a guy who can not only hold his own in a fight, but also in a battle of wills. It’s a character whose violent skillset is often preceded by subtlety. Reacher knows better than to just dive headfirst into danger.
If there were to be anotherJack Reachermovie, Ritchson would be the first choice. Preferably, it would be a Prime Video original movie spun off from the show. Ritchson is Jack Reacher, full stop. To have Tom Cruise return would be an insult, not only to Ritchson, but also to Lee Child and the character himself.
Season 2 ofReacherofficially premiered on Jun 08, 2025, with its finale currently slated for release on Jul 29, 2025. A third season is currently in development.
Stream Reacher on Prime Video
In the mood for more shows likeReacher? Specifically, more “dad shows” likeReacher? Check out our video below that chronicles a plethora of shows with a similar atmosphere to Prime Video’s hit series.
