His size wasn't my biggest gripe. In the books Reacher hates to drive and isn't very good at it. In the movies he is an epic driver with chase scenes and all. That bothered me more than the size.
I enjoyed first movie, thought second, just felt a bit rushed. Would watch a third outing, probably on a streaming site. Would be interested in a tv series
Should probably be another couple inches tall with actually longer arms... but he fits the role well by being taller than most of the cast and actually bulky. As opposed to someone shorter than the rest of the cast that has to go out of the way to show off a couple muscles.
@@JaEDLanc You could be right. I don't know why I think he is Australian. The accent, maybe. He was amazing in the HBO series Rome. Kevin McKidd was also great.
@@gloriafalkson2363It's not a matter of bowing to your readers. If you're an author, you want to see your vision translated onscreen as accurate as possible.
He’s literally praising and defending…his own property that he has huge financial stake in. He’s not “standing up” for anything, he’s doing press tour marketing.
Ya I was fine with it too. I’ve read all the books 10 times over first and I thought he did a great job portraying reacher’s aura and personality. I learned long ago with the Harry Potter movies tht books to movies just won’t be the same. Have to take it for what it is.( casting options would be very very limited if actually try to get someone who looks as imposing as reacher.
Tom was great as a character with brilliant and believable fight scenes, BUT, for those of us who loved the books he just wasn’t Jack Reacher. I love the idea of tv series’s for each book. A binge watch in the offing!
I think “they” did a great job with adapting Michael Connelly’s Bosch series for Prime. Multiple books would be tailored into various 10-show series. Reacher is a little different, but with some creativity could certainly be handled.
I think Cruise works much better for a visual Reacher, he makes a lot more sense using the fight with Jeb and his friends outside the bar in the first movie. If Reacher was built like a brick shithouse then he would be too intimidating in a fight, they would not challenge him in the first olace, which would mean he does not need to use his wits in a fight, he would just overpower them. Being a smaller stature he has to use his brains to outsmart them, he outthinks them and even instills doubt in them before the fight starts. The first movie is a masterpiece in pacing and ‘show don’t tell’ cinematics, it’s a shame that a great director like Edward Zwick ended up completely ignoring the character’s mentality in the horribly pedestrian sequel Never Go Back.
This is a perfect example of something ive said a hundred times in the past couple years. Every director that ever made a movie has to shoot 6 or 8 hours and cut it down to one hour and 40 minutes. This new art form - 6 to 10 episodes dropped at once, gives those artists the chance to do what they have wanted to do for decades.
I love that section of one of his books where he describes his childhood. His mother warns him that the world is full of scary people and he should be careful. As a teen, he sees the fear in other people's eyes, apparently looking at some scary person behind him; one day he turns around and no one is there. The scary person is him. Cruise is not Jack Reacher
That being said, he portrayed Reacher well though physically he didnt cut it. It is sort of strange that when you read that passage from the first book , knowing Reacher is the scary guy it is a little confusing that he always nails the hottie
A younger Dolph Lundgren would have made a great Reacher. Height, size, the jaw and rugged magnetisum. He was kinda the guy I pictured when I read the novels. He even has a rumbling quality to his voice.
Doesn't have to be a younger Dolph Lundgren. Jack Reacher turns 60 this year. Maybe Dolph Lundgren is to handsome. Lee Child often describe Jack Reacher as ugly or not so handsome.
@@liamearly4883 hi bcoz I felt Dolph had the menacing voice wen he speaks in a like threatening tone especially the voice and the rugged look so ya the way he was projected in expendables was the best all is needed is some proper makeup to do the scars and messy hair and it sure will fit the description of Dolph as menencing fear imposing jack reacher is juz my own view have a good day
@@tellurye Not his biggest fan, but the dude is pretty jacked in stuff like Altered Carbon. He's definitely not skinny, I think your issue might be more that he is just rather lanky proportionally, which I guess can't really be helped and gives off the impression of being more slim than he is.
Tom Cruise is only five foot seven he's sure as hell not 6 ft 5 he's just a little fellow what is a good actor I won't say or not definitely not suitable to be playing the part of Jack Reacher I'm surprised they actually even catch them for this
I have read some too, but for the intimidating and presence of danger part cruise did all he could with his statue and facial expressions. I still loved the movie.
Tom Cruise made a very good alternative universe Jack Reacher, one that was physically smaller. The presence was different. I look forward to a new, larger, Reacher.
Yup cruise is great at acting action scenes. The alley scene from collateral is unbelievable. Really just readers of the books would cringe at his munchkin stature.
I never thought "alternative universe jack reacher". Whatever the hell means lol. The movie was good but tom cruise as jack reacher was absolutely terrible. And now apparently alan richtson is now playing the character. The only criticism I think is he's too good looking hahaha.
Cruise played a great part, although I do have a difficult time with actors being miscast, such as Kevin Costner in The Untouchables, Montgomery Clift in Red River, or even Michael Keaton as Batman. The movies are about fantasy; that’s what actors specialize in. Hence the visualization has to carry out the fantasy. I hadn’t read a Jack Reacher novel when I saw the first film with Tom Cruise, so I bought him in the role. Then I saw the Prime series and learned how the character was originally written. It all made more sense. I’ll be reading the novels now.
Please do! Or listen to them, Jeff harding does a brilliant job bringing the books to life as audio books. Readers are alot more familiar with reacher intimidating demeanour. First Scene of the show richson pulls it off perfectly where he just stares a guy threatening his girlfriend into submission before getting coffee and pie. It's the sort of thing cruise just can't pull off convincingly because even if he's playing a role the back of your mind still says this is Tom cruise and he'd be hospitalised if I tripped over him!
Tom Cruise as a little energetic wiry guy, absolutely. As the elephant in the room of big guys, no. There's a classic movie shot somewhere of a bouncer that fills the screen and we're looking up his chest at him. But give tom cruise CGI with seven plus height and three foot across, and a baritone voice - maybe. And wrestling elephants.
Alan Ritchson is a good choice. He's actually a bit undersized for the role, which must be a first for him. As a fan of the book series I'm looking forward to this.
Alan Ritchson is undersized... Alan Ritchson... is *undersized.* That will take a while to sink in. I personally have felt that he's pretty much perfect. I mean, Reacher is supposed to be even bigger than that, yeah. But that begs the question: just what kind of a brainless punk picks a fight with the CANON Reacher?! I'm not much familiar with the books, but isn't he described as unusually graceful and fast for his immense stature? Do they kinda assume that he's gotta be lunky and slow since he's *that* huge? P.S. I wouldn't mind Alan as a Blazskowicz, honestly. Assuming that hypothetical movie doesn't go into the Youngblood territory. Ugh...
Alan is 6'4. At this point it doesn't even matter if he's not 6'5, since he is already an outlier and in giant category. Saying he is bit undersized is being obsessed and fixated on a number. They want someone to portray the character well, not checkmark the physical specifications.
I was a fan of Reacher but the books are no longer the same quality: endless descriptions and no moving 'fan of Women without the sleeze' romance or patriotic values. Also the Plot here in Sentinel is all Russia Russia Russia which is BS - Ch i N a are the enemy and I would have thought Mr LC could have worked that out by now. No longer a fan.
@@jonfernandez4271 I an interview he have said he is 6'3 235lbs barefoot. And they made him wear shoes that make him 6'5 the point is that calling him undersized is stupid
As the man said, in the books Reacher is a giant of a man, 6' 5" tall, well built with great physical presence, Tom Cruise is 5' 7". Tom is a good actor but this was the wrong part for him.
@@maureendavidson4635 I agree. I don't dispute Cruise's acting ability at all. My grandson is 6'6"+ he couldn't play this because he is a gentle giant and looks it. I can't think of an actor that could BE this role.
He is a total commitment actor, unfortunately nature didn't give him the extra 8 ". Though some not tall in statures can intimidate. Look to the right for "I'm the Doctor so basically RUN!"
"Even though I love Tom [Cruise] as an actor and as a person, my loyalty ultimately has to be with the reader." Fair enough, Mr Child. We all look forward to the forthcoming versions of your novels on TV
If that were true then Cruise would never have been hired in the first place. Fact is, for a lot of these movie/tv adaptations, the writer has very little say once he/she has turned it over to the studio. It looks better in the press releases that the writer couldnt be more pleased with the film, even when we know this or that actor has little or nothing to do with the main character.
Cruise did a great job of playing Tom Cruise trying to be Reacher but there’s something missing....the presence of Reacher is a key element to the character. Just like in the Tarzan and Conan novels....his size and abilities mattered, they defined the character more completely. I’m excited for a Reacher series. Great books! Good luck.
I agree that Tom was too small to play Reacher, he did obviously do a good job, maybe just supersize him on the screen!! The Rock is who I picture in my mind when reading but as you said, an unknown big guy would be the best. Love the stories keep me entertained while driving! Thanks.
I remember going into the theater and honestly, Tom Cruise does a great job. The issue truly is his size though. Reacher is suppose to LOOK intimidating simply because he's FUCKING HUGE. Cruise isn't. The fight scenes are good though.
Totally agree, Allen Ritchson is the epitome of what I thought Jack would look like and act like. Criise was just too small--just a pretty boy. Halfway through the first episode--in love.
I thought Cruise did a good job. Wasn't exactly how I pictured Reacher from the books though, but still entertaining. I see Reacher as more a young Tom Selleck or Liam Neeson type. Maybe even Keanu Reeves if he cleaned up his look a little from the John Wick persona.
Thank you so much Mr Childs!! You got me through my 6 year prison sentence with your books which in turn got me off heroin! Ur one of my heros sir!! Thank you
Mike, I hadn’t thought about the “Rock” at all, but, dayamm, what a good suggestion. I know you didn’t bring him up in a favored light, but in all the “Reacher” books I’ve read, Cruise has never really filled the bill of how I imagined him to look. Yeah, I like Tom, and I like his acting, but the word “imposing” is not a word I would use to describe him. Keep the faith!.....Let’s give Hollywood another chance at casting....Maybe they’ll do a better job next time. Cheers! P.S. Your original post here was short, succinct, and eerily reminiscent of a “Reacher” sentence! Short, and to the point.
@@paulfienga9466 Ditto on NOT picking Johnson. The man said it will be an unknown actor but who knows what they'll eventually do. I like the movies a great deal, don't read the books. Cruise did a great acting job but he is a small guy like the man said.
I'm really excited for this. I thought Tom Cruise did a great job in the movies, but I also agree with them needing someone of the physique and stature of Dwayne Johnson to match the character's description in the books. Another aspect i love about Jack Reacher is that Lee Child said no one ever gets the best of Reacher. He's not from the typical protagonist mold, having to overcome someone that's more of a badass than him. That doesn't exist in his world. He's always gonna be the toughest SOB in the room.
I love the new Amazon series. I watched the whole thing in one go. Alan did a superb job. The fight scenes were great and his physical size was very accurate. Tom did a good job and I prefer his smart talking over Alan. I think Alan isn’t far off and could improve in a second series.
Exactly, Tom Cruise is very good at portraying smart talks, which I felt lacking in Ritchson. But again since this is the first part, we could see the improvement in the upcoming season.
My friend and I are big fans of Jack Reacher but when TC was cast we were gobsmacked. There couldn’t have been a more unlikely casting ever. He was the opposite of everything JR’s character was. I’m so glad they have finally seen sense! I always had Dolph Lundgren in my head from the day I started reading the books.
A mini- or midi-series is the best way to present a good book in film/video. SHOGUN, Lonesome Dove, The Stand, Roots, Thorn Birds... The Lord of the Rings was decent, but would've been much better in a longer format. As it was, they stretched the limits of the one-sitting movie format with each of the 3 installments, and even that didn't REALLY do it justice. Game of Thrones could've set the new standard, but they chose a story that the fat, pampered writer hadn't finished and probably never will, and had to finish it with only the abilities of the show-runners to finish it off, creating a HUGE FLOP, which was plain to see as soon as they ran out of Martin's material.
When the Tom Cruise’s Reacher movie came out I was reluctantly happy. As a long time fan, I was happy to have a live action adaptation. But while I enjoyed his portrayal of many of Reacher’s personality based traits, I immediately also had this “uncanny valley” sort of reaction, where it felt like Reacher, but an alternate universe Reacher. That’s when I realized that, on the page, so very much of his character is derived from elements of his physicality. It’s the foundation for many of his traits, habits, behaviors and character moments. Makes sense really, after all, we’re born with a body, and we grow _into_ it, not the other way around. We adapt accordingly to the vessel we’ve been given to a very large extent. It’s also obviously meant to be an extremely defining trait on the page, with the frequency of which his stature, power and prowess are mentioned. Ritchson may be shy a couple inches and a few pounds but you’d never know it, and he sells is perfectly. Aside from that obvious bit though, I was just amazed at how they nearly perfectly adapted Killing Floor. I can’t really put it in words, but basically I’ve never once had a live action adaptation so perfectly match the movie I created in my mind when I first read the novel. It was bizarre and wonderful all at once.
I am sure there is no shortage of actors with the physical presence this role demands. The Cruise choice was disappointing from the start. I have read every book and always eagerly await a new story.
Nonsense. They decided a reboot was in order after "Never Go Back" sucked complete and total ass. Everything about the 1st film that set it apart from other action films was ignored for its terrible sequel.
@@steriopticon2687 - I think the decision to film "Never Go Back" was an extremely poor one and they managed to make it even stupider. Of the half-dozen Reacher novels I've read, the only worse one was "Die Trying".
I have not watched the movies because Jack Reacher in my mind is not Tom Cruise at all. Now the series I watched it at a stretch. The actor is Jack Reacher I did even want to know his real name. Absolutely marvellous & on point. You go along in the journey of the book in the series. No holds barred.
As an avid fan of the Jack Reacher novels, I wholeheartedly agree. While the movies did a good job of following the story, Cruise just doesn’t fit the bill. Reacher was this huge confident, sarcastic/witty badass and while Cruise’s adaption does the sarcasm well enough, he’s by no means intimidating so the confidence comes off as arrogance in my opinion.
I agree, but as big of a bad ass as the reacher character is he isn't a brooding thug. He is actually rather cerebral. He is fearless but he isn't a loose cannon. He is nothing if not analytical.
Jack Reacher, one of the best crime thriller action movies ever with Tom cruise!!! What a great movie , when cruise is no longer acting then people will see what they will be missing, one of the best actors/action movie / thriller movie just all round intense actors of all time !!!
Lee Child has acknowledged that the fans of his books have never been happy with Tom Cruise implausibly and I have to say comically cast as Jack Reacher. Like Danny Davito being cast to play Arnold Schwarzenegger in his life story. It doesn’t matter that Cruise is a bankable actor he was frankly ridiculous in this role, little man pretending to be a 250Ib ex military cop. It was just painful to behold. Finally in Alan Ritchson, Jack Reacher has been realised as many of us have pretty much imagined him from the books, and we can gently show Mr big ego but small stature the exit.
@@Chipchase780 you know sometimes your opinion isn’t needed…. Some of us like Tom cruise as Reacher and that’s our fucking opinion so take your opinion and make your own comment or you can shove it up your ass ….your choice😜
Rory McCann (The Hound from GOT) should play Reacher- he’s huge, and he can go from charming to scary in the blink of an eye. If he can hit some kind of American accent, he’d kill it
Like him but don’t know if he can do the accent. Also, Rory is a little old for the part (51)... think they should start out with Reacher in his early 40’s to be true to the books.
The hardest thing for me in the Cruise-as-Reacher is that Reacher is supposed to be a lousy driver; I can suspend the size issue, but the crap-driver part was just a bridge too far for me. ...And Cruise doesn't do the best 'taciturn'. I'd never read the books til i saw the two Cruise movies. I enjoyed the movies a lot, so i read the books and i _really_ enjoyed them. They're a little outside my normal genre, so it was a pleasant surprise. Anyway, i read the series up to & including the book the movie was based on & i rewatched the movie: And i didn't enjoy the movie nearly as much as the first time i watched it. Which i just thought was just weird.
I well remember him defending Cruise at the time and me saying that it was a big mistake. I thought Cruise did a great job but he hadn't the gravitas, the sheer size, the brute power that Reacher has as his trademark. The equivalent of an Arnold Shwarzanegger or Sylvester Stallone 20 years younger is necessary.
What Cruise offered, the most valuable, is his film producing quality. Most of the others are just actors (Arnold and Stallone could when younger). Cruise comes with top directors, budget, and supporting actors.
I'm reading Nothing to Lose and always picture Tom Cruise in the part. It's a fun read because while it goes over Jack Reacher's strengths it doesn't at all portray him as being the best at everything. In fact because of his size he is not the fastest runner which they mock Tom Cruise for in every movie he does. But on that note goes to show how much TC is an amazing action star with undeniable strength, will and stamina as well as being equipped with high intellect. That's a huge undertaking and accomplishment and to me adds to the character.
as much as I liked Tom Cruise unmatched acting as Reacher, I have to agree that he couldn't have brought one of his attributes to any portrayal of Reacher.. and I was one of the ones who complained.. I read all of the books up to 'Never Go Back'.. he is cut- in one of the books he stops a .38 caliber bullet with his chest.. I think it is inaccurate to characterize him as a 'brute' though..he is super intelligent, and a top investigator. He is in great physical form, and was a tough guy.. having lots of fighting expertise, but women like him too. So even though Chris Helmsworth is probably not interested, he is a fair choice.. Ice blue eyes, 6'5" (if I remember).. Maybe find someone who was really in the military?
Chris is too pretty. It's not just the height and muscles, folks. In the books, Jack Reacher's face is clearly described as more fascinating than handsome. You need a guy with a chilling frown and a smile you can't quite read. Chris is too...good for it, if you know what I mean.
The books go into detail and really sell just how big and imposing Reacher is. Cruise never fit (literally) the part. Seemed like an extremely odd choice of actor.
Same thing with his portrayal of Lestat in Interview with a Vampire, and he did very well with that. Or Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, since Wolverine is actually pretty short, and he seems to have managed that part.
@@CALLaBOOTY09 It is true. The show is being done by Amazon. Ritchson is a good actor but I can definitely see it being difficult to shake the Thad Castle image. Haha.
I find the greatest lack in the movies is not the height of the actor but the loss of the inner monologue. Having the voice over narration of the protagonist in past tense is a characteristic of the pulp fiction detective story you find in a few modern movies like "Last Man Standing" and "Sin City" but it was very common in the hard-boiled detective movies of the Forties. It is an archaic form of storytelling, but the most interesting thing about the Reacher novels is the character's thoughts. What is going on in his head is far more interesting than just action on the screen.
Something else is afoot here because I remember before the 1st film came out, the public expressed their disdain for Cruise being Reacher. It was even to the point that prior to release of the movie, Child was defending the choice. I think what's happened is that no film studio would touch the series initially unless someone of Cruises fame was used or willing to be signed and now it's a success they can now tweak the series and ditch Cruise for someone that doesn't have to wear lifts in his shoes to look over a coffee counter.
@@melbytvenge And I'm currently reading Blue Moon. Reacher is repeatedly described as big, imposing etc AND ugly. With the new guy, I think they have the size part, but cannot say he's ugly by any stretch. 😉
Brilliant! My favorite quote was when a woman in one of the Reacher books says, "The first time I saw him, I thought, he is biggest guy I've ever seen not in a football uniform." That's not Tom Cruise. Cruise was also too pretty to be Reacher. Somebody more like Mickey O'Rourke, who looks rode hard and put up wet all the time, although O'Rourke is too old and has too much of an urban accent. They need to find hulking guy from Nebraska who has been throwing calves around most of his life--has some weather on his face, and some kind of attitude. Looking forward to what comes next. Nice to see Lee Child and put a personality to the name and face!
I emailed Lee Child about my dislike of Tom Cruise as "Reacher" several years ago, and his reply implied that he had no choice in the actor that played Reacher in the original movie. Apparently Tom Cruise (or a company on his behalf) had purchased the rights to the movie. I've VERY glad to hear that Lee Child is going to be more involved in the ongoing representation of Reacher in future works.
I read that, as well, regarding Cruise purchasing the rights. There must be a limit to those rights or we wouldn't be discussing a potential new actor for the role. What book is Child considering for the next movie??
Lee child as Jack reacher/ he has his pic on all the book jackets & when reading the novel that's what I pictured.😘 did anyone notice Lee child as the TSA agent in the 2nd movie - never look back?
The actor who plays "Steapa" in the "Last Kingdom" series, Adrian Boucher, would be ideal for the role of Reacher. Steapa is a large, physically imposing man, who intimidates without having to try. Boucher played that role with a certain degree of panache. Aside from that, I can't really think of an known name actor who has that physicality as well as the acting chops. Dave Batista and Dwayne Johnson have the physicality but do they have the acting ability?
I've read every Jack Reacher book, some several times. Love movies but when I saw that Tom Cruise was playing Reacher it put me off completely and for the reasons Lee Child stated. Tom Cruise for all his acting experience is a ridiculous choice to play the huge intimidating character that Reacher is.
Which one is the knife fight? I used to love those books. I’d buy at airport and read on my off time at work. I’d have to lay the book down on a good part, get some beer and read again. Every book he’d have coffee with a woman. Damn.
@@wh1tewolf4 That's the one that starts with a lady blowing her brains out on the subway, after Reacher totally misreads the situation, called Gone Tomorrow.
When I first heard that Tom Cruise was going to play Reacher, I thought it was a joke. But, noooooo! Then I thought, what a bizarre choice, or maybe a spoof version like the Bond movie with Peter Sellers and Woody Allen. I'm glad Child is finally trying to get it right. Hope he doesn't blow it again.
I thought Cruise in the first movie portrayed the physical bluntness very well, especially in the bar scene, and the first movie is a great movie by all standards, but it’s just not Jack Reacher
Chuck Conners... Well, someone who looks like the late great man... He was 6’5” or 6’6” and filled out decently after his athletic career... Someone like that... He was fast with a gun and had a big jaw. I didn’t get this until I started reading the books. Size matters. Tom Cruise is a total badass and no actors in Hollywood does stunt work like Cruise... He’s great in MI and others and did what he could do on the Reacher projects but now I’m trying to get his faces out of the Novels. I just hope they do this TV thing right and cast the right guy for this.
I’ve read every teacher book, massive fan for me... a great choice... Gerrard Butler ..... 🤷♂️ I would not like an unknown tbh but hey we all like different things.
My thoughts exactly. People are making it sound bad. He thought he nailed it. Of course, he didn't have the physicality, but you could tell he totally understood that character.
Took my sister to see Lee Child in Rogers, Arkansas just after it was announced that Tom Cruise would star in the Reacher movie. Lee was asked about why such a little guy was playing Reacher. The answer was that a big star was excited to make the movie and it would be best to just go with it. The whole audience moaned.
Thank Christ Love the Reacher novels and was really dissapointed when Tom Cruise took over. He was way too smarmy in the role.. Great to hear they are going to turn it into a lengthy series and hopefully cover all of the books...Great news alround
This was two years ago and I've heard nothing about any TV series. The pandemic didn't hit until more than a year after this interview, so what happened in 2019?
The problem with Tom Cruise playing Jack Reacher wasn’t his height, Jack Reacher is a bum, Tom Cruise was too well groomed. Cruise did a good job in both films. John Krasinski could be a good Jack Reacher. But it’s funny, everyone moans about Tom Cruise being in the two Jack Reacher films(he’s too short), but no one has mentioned Hugh Jackman being Wolverine, Wolverine is 5 feet 4 inches, Hugh Jackman is 6 feet 2
@@yega3k Why would you infer that I was suggesting that was the point of that statement? The statement merely begged my question. Forming it as a question was simply to communicate that it was a resulting idea that sprang directly from consideration of that statement. Does that explanation sufficiently address your concern that someone might misunderstand the point of the previous statement?
I promise you, the movies are better than you think. Tom did a great job, and the adaptations were at the very least respectable. I've read all the Jack Reacher books up to Blue Moon, so I know.
No, the movies are worse than I thought possible. Setting aside the poor casting, they made awful, unnecessary changes to the plots. Beyond awful, really. They opted for Hollywood flash rather than Reacher style, completely missing the central elements of the character and the stories.
The movies themselves were great. If someone had never read any of the books, they would be wondering what all the fuss was about. Tom did a great job, it’s only the preconceived ideas of what Reacher should look like that created negativity towards the films.
Tom Cruise did a wonderful job channeling jack reacher and portraying the characters personality and attitude I can overlook the actors size as compared to the characters description in novels. The actors quality of the character made me love jack reacher even more And I’m not a big Tom cruise fan but he’s a great actor That’s what books and movies are all about escaping real life and problems and feeling like a hero
I absolutely loved Tom Cruise in the role in the first film, which inspired me to read the books. I was disappointed in the second film though, but was really hoping he’d come back to make a few more with Christopher McQuarrie directing. What Cruise lacked in height he more than made up for in performance, fighting skills and fantastic one-liners. The end of the car chase scene where he leaves the car rolling and joins the bus crowd is sheer genius, and just one of about 50 things I could enthuse over from the first film. It’s a shame; I will just have to keep re-watching the first film. I’ll be very surprised if they find a replacement half as good.
My thoughts word for word sir, maybe just the top 10 action crime thriller movies ever made ....cruise is a generational talent may he long continue to bless us with his professionalism, dedication and superior acting skills
Never read the books. But if hes just some hulking guy then he sticks out like sore thumb..looking like a regular sized guy can make him invisible and blend in and dangerous when provocted. Its what made me like the movie version. The mystery of this guy. If he looked like say The Rock, then its just another mindless action movie. Toms version was a good thriller. Idk just my opinion. Tv series sounds like a good idea.
they can make him not stick out like a sore thumb through the magic of.... TV. as in the books he has the ability to be anonymous and slip behind the radar and reveal himself when crunch time comes. the beauty of being a fictional character
Read the books is my advice then watch the movies or like me didn't even entertain the movie just because Tom cruise was chosen fans have an image of jack reacher how he acts he is big but cool calm and collective very intelligent Liam nesson would play reacher very very well
Hey what about a black Reacher? Or what about... hold on I got it, a female black Reacher, she could.... no hold on, hey this is it, a transgender black Reacher. No more boring bar fights they could happen due to big misunderstandings in the toilet.
Reachers strength is his intelligence. He is three or four moves ahead of everyone else. Cruise tapped into that. This new guy is great. Now I got to read the books. Ty.
Yeah, I think he would be great. I don't really care if he looks like he does in the book, but I think he could have that intimidating physical presence and attitude that he was talking about the character needing. Although, I don't know if Momoa would be willing to do television.
I agree that tom cruise is small but i read gone tomorrow as my first lee child novel and i always pictured reacher as tom cruis. I was ecstatic when i seen he was the actor. I do get that reacher is 6 ft an tom cruise is like what 5'8? Lol
Henry Cavill was not an unknown actor in the Witcher - He played Superman in three motion pictures - he is great in the Witcher though! He would be believable as Reacher.
At first, I thought that the actor should be much larger but I though Tom did a great job. I'd watch him again in any new movie but I think it would be interesting to see an unknown hulk cast as Reacher. If Tom has to collect unemployment that's just too bad.
I’ve never read the books but I thought the first Jack Reacher movie with Tom was awesome! I think it’s cool that he’s just a normal everyday guy that can knock all your teeth out before snapping your neck.
I agree that Tom Cruise wasn’t my idea of what Jack Reacher would look like. That said I do think that he did a stellar job on both movies.
He has such an intense presence! I thought it worked but I’m down for the show with a new actor.
He did a great job, but he's nowhere near 6-5 and 250 lbs...
His size wasn't my biggest gripe. In the books Reacher hates to drive and isn't very good at it. In the movies he is an epic driver with chase scenes and all. That bothered me more than the size.
I love the books, but the movies were a huge disappointment. Absolutely awful. I couldn’t make it through either one of them.
I enjoyed first movie, thought second, just felt a bit rushed. Would watch a third outing, probably on a streaming site. Would be interested in a tv series
Well, the Amazon TV series called “Reacher” absolutely nailed it with Alan Ritchson in the lead role. He’s a GIANT and suits the roll perfectly.
No kidding, just finished watching and it was thoroughly enjoyable throughout.
The series was a ton of fun to watch. Alan Ritchson was perfectly cast as Reacher. Can’t wait for season two and beyond
Should probably be another couple inches tall with actually longer arms... but he fits the role well by being taller than most of the cast and actually bulky. As opposed to someone shorter than the rest of the cast that has to go out of the way to show off a couple muscles.
Only two episodes in but he's very good!
@@Laevaryl Is it a good series? Or an average series?
Congrats. The Amazon version deserves a 10. Great cast. The right mix of action, comedy, romance, etc. Looking forward to the next season.
Yes it's so good
Ritchson is excellent, but my choice would have been Australian actor Ray Stevenson.
@@JaEDLanc You could be right. I don't know why I think he is Australian. The accent, maybe. He was amazing in the HBO series Rome. Kevin McKidd was also great.
@@frankbolger3969 he’s Irish
@@frankbolger3969 too old
This guy is a true class act! Standing up for an actor, even though he’s not a great fit for the character you created is straight up class.
He said he has to bow to his readers and perhaps they said”or else” (they won’t continue to buy his books) after all he is not James Patterson.
@@gloriafalkson2363It's not a matter of bowing to your readers. If you're an author, you want to see your vision translated onscreen as accurate as possible.
He’s literally praising and defending…his own property that he has huge financial stake in. He’s not “standing up” for anything, he’s doing press tour marketing.
Tom Cruise did an outstanding job in both movies, but as a reader I, too, thought that he wasn't the big imposing guy from the books.
Why is that a problem, I don't understand. I really liked Tom as Reacher
@@AndrewHollywood I agree, that moment he walked into the DA's office he won me.... And I've read and enjoyed the books.
Ya I was fine with it too. I’ve read all the books 10 times over first and I thought he did a great job portraying reacher’s aura and personality. I learned long ago with the Harry Potter movies tht books to movies just won’t be the same. Have to take it for what it is.( casting options would be very very limited if actually try to get someone who looks as imposing as reacher.
He was awful absolutely ruined one of my all time favourite characters it was an insult to fans casting Cruise
@@davemeads859 can you explain how Tom being short ruined your life?
Tom was great as a character with brilliant and believable fight scenes, BUT, for those of us who loved the books he just wasn’t Jack Reacher.
I love the idea of tv series’s for each book. A binge watch in the offing!
I think “they” did a great job with adapting Michael Connelly’s Bosch series for Prime. Multiple books would be tailored into various 10-show series. Reacher is a little different, but with some creativity could certainly be handled.
agreed but enjoyed the 1st movie
I think Cruise works much better for a visual Reacher, he makes a lot more sense using the fight with Jeb and his friends outside the bar in the first movie. If Reacher was built like a brick shithouse then he would be too intimidating in a fight, they would not challenge him in the first olace, which would mean he does not need to use his wits in a fight, he would just overpower them. Being a smaller stature he has to use his brains to outsmart them, he outthinks them and even instills doubt in them before the fight starts. The first movie is a masterpiece in pacing and ‘show don’t tell’ cinematics, it’s a shame that a great director like Edward Zwick ended up completely ignoring the character’s mentality in the horribly pedestrian sequel Never Go Back.
Loved the books and loved Tom Cruise as Reacher
This is a perfect example of something ive said a hundred times in the past couple years.
Every director that ever made a movie has to shoot 6 or 8 hours and cut it down to one hour and 40 minutes.
This new art form - 6 to 10 episodes dropped at once, gives those artists the chance to do what they have wanted to do for decades.
The TV Series was amazing! And Alan Ritchson was perfectly judged. Big and a little scary, but compassionate. Well chosen.
I love that section of one of his books where he describes his childhood. His mother warns him that the world is full of scary people and he should be careful. As a teen, he sees the fear in other people's eyes, apparently looking at some scary person behind him; one day he turns around and no one is there. The scary person is him. Cruise is not Jack Reacher
Alan ritchson is in talks about jack reacher
@@krpyton7368 - Who is Alan Ritchson?
@@HoldenNY22 what is Google
Cruise is VERY SCARY... if you own a nice couch and you want to keep it clean.
That being said, he portrayed Reacher well though physically he didnt cut it. It is sort of strange that when you read that passage from the first book , knowing Reacher is the scary guy it is a little confusing that he always nails the hottie
Clint Walker in his prime would have been the man for the job.
I thought Vince Vaughn would be great.
Sadly, he passed away in 2018- RIP Clint Walker.
Good choice. I recall the scene from “The Dirty Dozen” where Major Reisman tries to get Posey to stab him. Yes, Clint could have been a great Reacher.
Now you are talking !
Clint might have been overkill lol
He was massive
The first season has just dropped on Amazon. They have done a great job.
I'm really looking forward to future seasons.
A younger Dolph Lundgren would have made a great Reacher. Height, size, the jaw and rugged magnetisum.
He was kinda the guy I pictured when I read the novels. He even has a rumbling quality to his voice.
Doesn't have to be a younger Dolph Lundgren. Jack Reacher turns 60 this year.
Maybe Dolph Lundgren is to handsome. Lee Child often describe Jack Reacher as ugly or not so handsome.
Jack reacher can still b Dolph lundgren looks can use make up to modify to make him look abit darker in movie
Maybe Brian bosworth could be casted
@@liamearly4883 hi bcoz I felt Dolph had the menacing voice wen he speaks in a like threatening tone especially the voice and the rugged look so ya the way he was projected in expendables was the best all is needed is some proper makeup to do the scars and messy hair and it sure will fit the description of Dolph as menencing fear imposing jack reacher is juz my own view have a good day
Couldn't act his way out of a bath
Joel Kinnaman, 6'2", he was great in Altered Carbon and Hanna!!
Too goog looking
I was thinking that too
He would be awesome of course. But he is way too skinny. Reacher is quite the muscular man, not just tall.
@@tellurye Not his biggest fan, but the dude is pretty jacked in stuff like Altered Carbon. He's definitely not skinny, I think your issue might be more that he is just rather lanky proportionally, which I guess can't really be helped and gives off the impression of being more slim than he is.
@@windowsVD yes he is very jacked but he is not reacher jacked is what I'm getting at.
Reacher is 6 5" not 5 6".
Tom Cruise is only five foot seven he's sure as hell not 6 ft 5 he's just a little fellow what is a good actor I won't say or not definitely not suitable to be playing the part of Jack Reacher I'm surprised they actually even catch them for this
@@JohnDoe-zf2zm Tom has a good agent.
@@JohnDoe-zf2zm Maybe Hugh Jackman. Good choice not 6'5 but 6'3 is pretty close
Sure and Logan is 5’3” not 6’2”. It’s Whollyweird.
same story with Spenser
Have read every Reacher book and just couldn’t visualize Tom Cruise in the part though he did a good job
I have read some too, but for the intimidating and presence of danger part cruise did all he could with his statue and facial expressions. I still loved the movie.
Tom Cruise made a very good alternative universe Jack Reacher, one that was physically smaller. The presence was different. I look forward to a new, larger, Reacher.
Yup cruise is great at acting action scenes.
The alley scene from collateral is unbelievable.
Really just readers of the books would cringe at his munchkin stature.
I never thought "alternative universe jack reacher". Whatever the hell means lol.
The movie was good but tom cruise as jack reacher was absolutely terrible. And now apparently alan richtson is now playing the character. The only criticism I think is he's too good looking hahaha.
I agree with you on all counts. TC made a great multiverse JR. Now let's get to Reacher Prime.
Cruise played a great part, although I do have a difficult time with actors being miscast, such as Kevin Costner in The Untouchables, Montgomery Clift in Red River, or even Michael Keaton as Batman. The movies are about fantasy; that’s what actors specialize in. Hence the visualization has to carry out the fantasy.
I hadn’t read a Jack Reacher novel when I saw the first film with Tom Cruise, so I bought him in the role. Then I saw the Prime series and learned how the character was originally written. It all made more sense.
I’ll be reading the novels now.
Please do! Or listen to them, Jeff harding does a brilliant job bringing the books to life as audio books. Readers are alot more familiar with reacher intimidating demeanour. First Scene of the show richson pulls it off perfectly where he just stares a guy threatening his girlfriend into submission before getting coffee and pie. It's the sort of thing cruise just can't pull off convincingly because even if he's playing a role the back of your mind still says this is Tom cruise and he'd be hospitalised if I tripped over him!
What was wrong with Kevin Costner
Tom Cruise as a little energetic wiry guy, absolutely. As the elephant in the room of big guys, no. There's a classic movie shot somewhere of a bouncer that fills the screen and we're looking up his chest at him. But give tom cruise CGI with seven plus height and three foot across, and a baritone voice - maybe. And wrestling elephants.
Alan Ritchson is a good choice. He's actually a bit undersized for the role, which must be a first for him. As a fan of the book series I'm looking forward to this.
Alan Ritchson is undersized...
Alan Ritchson... is *undersized.*
That will take a while to sink in.
I personally have felt that he's pretty much perfect. I mean, Reacher is supposed to be even bigger than that, yeah. But that begs the question: just what kind of a brainless punk picks a fight with the CANON Reacher?! I'm not much familiar with the books, but isn't he described as unusually graceful and fast for his immense stature? Do they kinda assume that he's gotta be lunky and slow since he's *that* huge?
P.S. I wouldn't mind Alan as a Blazskowicz, honestly. Assuming that hypothetical movie doesn't go into the Youngblood territory. Ugh...
Alan is 6'4. At this point it doesn't even matter if he's not 6'5, since he is already an outlier and in giant category. Saying he is bit undersized is being obsessed and fixated on a number. They want someone to portray the character well, not checkmark the physical specifications.
@@fuk Alan Ritchson is 6'2"
I was a fan of Reacher but the books are no longer the same quality: endless descriptions and no moving 'fan of Women without the sleeze' romance or patriotic values. Also the Plot here in Sentinel is all Russia Russia Russia which is BS - Ch i N a are the enemy and I would have thought Mr LC could have worked that out by now. No longer a fan.
@@jonfernandez4271 I an interview he have said he is 6'3 235lbs barefoot. And they made him wear shoes that make him 6'5
the point is that calling him undersized is stupid
As the man said, in the books Reacher is a giant of a man, 6' 5" tall, well built with great physical presence, Tom Cruise is 5' 7". Tom is a good actor but this was the wrong part for him.
6'5" is Tom Selleck in Cowboy boots. Big. But give him his due, Tom C did a good job trying to capture the personality.
@@maureendavidson4635 I agree. I don't dispute Cruise's acting ability at all. My grandson is 6'6"+ he couldn't play this because he is a gentle giant and looks it.
I can't think of an actor that could BE this role.
@@RonpaMr I always felt that Hugh Jackman could've played Reacher on film..
He is a total commitment actor, unfortunately nature didn't give him the extra 8 ". Though some not tall in statures can intimidate. Look to the right for "I'm the Doctor so basically RUN!"
He's a great writer. Love his books.
"Even though I love Tom [Cruise] as an actor and as a person, my loyalty ultimately has to be with the reader." Fair enough, Mr Child. We all look forward to the forthcoming versions of your novels on TV
If that were true then Cruise would never have been hired in the first place. Fact is, for a lot of these movie/tv adaptations, the writer has very little say once he/she has turned it over to the studio. It looks better in the press releases that the writer couldnt be more pleased with the film, even when we know this or that actor has little or nothing to do with the main character.
I wonder if any reader wrote in and said "There's this guy, Alan Ritchson..."
Cruise did a great job of playing Tom Cruise trying to be Reacher but there’s something missing....the presence of Reacher is a key element to the character. Just like in the Tarzan and Conan novels....his size and abilities mattered, they defined the character more completely. I’m excited for a Reacher series. Great books! Good luck.
I agree that Tom was too small to play Reacher, he did obviously do a good job, maybe just supersize him on the screen!! The Rock is who I picture in my mind when reading but as you said, an unknown big guy would be the best. Love the stories keep me entertained while driving! Thanks.
I d like to see Dolph Lundgren playing Reacher
Andrea You must be joking he can barely speak English
I remember going into the theater and honestly, Tom Cruise does a great job. The issue truly is his size though. Reacher is suppose to LOOK intimidating simply because he's FUCKING HUGE. Cruise isn't. The fight scenes are good though.
@@dickensdickens3025
He actually speaks several languages, probably better than you speak English. Not to mention that the guy’s a genius.
Totally agree, Allen Ritchson is the epitome of what I thought Jack would look like and act like. Criise was just too small--just a pretty boy. Halfway through the first episode--in love.
The new Jack reacher could make a bad ass scurry for cover
Yes, I said he didn’t fit the image of Jack Reacher I imagined from the books. Thank you.
Wow....he actually cares about his fans. Not pushing other agendas, just flat out entertainment! Love it
I thought Cruise did a good job. Wasn't exactly how I pictured Reacher from the books though, but still entertaining. I see Reacher as more a young Tom Selleck or Liam Neeson type. Maybe even Keanu Reeves if he cleaned up his look a little from the John Wick persona.
Thank you so much Mr Childs!! You got me through my 6 year prison sentence with your books which in turn got me off heroin! Ur one of my heros sir!! Thank you
Anybody but Dwayne Johnson.
He doesnt have the acting skills great Guy thought
The rock was a perfect Reacher but I understand He turned it down .
Mike,
I hadn’t thought about the “Rock” at all, but, dayamm, what a good suggestion. I know you didn’t bring him up in a favored light, but in all the
“Reacher” books I’ve read, Cruise has never really filled the bill of how I imagined him to look. Yeah, I like Tom, and I like his acting, but the word “imposing” is not a word I would use to describe him. Keep the faith!.....Let’s give Hollywood another chance at casting....Maybe they’ll do a better job next time. Cheers! P.S. Your original post here was short, succinct, and eerily reminiscent of a “Reacher” sentence! Short, and to the point.
@@paulfienga9466 Ditto on NOT picking Johnson. The man said it will be an unknown actor but who knows what they'll eventually do. I like the movies a great deal, don't read the books. Cruise did a great acting job but he is a small guy like the man said.
@@kimmorrison9169 you have to read the books thats Who reacher is the actor Who will be playing is Alain ritchson way way better.
I'm really excited for this. I thought Tom Cruise did a great job in the movies, but I also agree with them needing someone of the physique and stature of Dwayne Johnson to match the character's description in the books. Another aspect i love about Jack Reacher is that Lee Child said no one ever gets the best of Reacher. He's not from the typical protagonist mold, having to overcome someone that's more of a badass than him. That doesn't exist in his world. He's always gonna be the toughest SOB in the room.
It would be better to have a not so Recognizable Actor But One that Can Do The Part.
Ray Stevenson is always the the image in mind when I read the books.
Kevin - you should cast movies. He is a perfect choice.
#kevin Andre Pretty sure he was an army brat during the troubles so he would have a bit of insight growing up in the army. Great shout.
I pictured him too.
Exactly who I picture when I read the books!!
I just posted exactly that. Another one who’d fit the bill is John Corbett, who’s actually 6,5” tall.
I love the new Amazon series. I watched the whole thing in one go. Alan did a superb job. The fight scenes were great and his physical size was very accurate.
Tom did a good job and I prefer his smart talking over Alan. I think Alan isn’t far off and could improve in a second series.
Exactly, Tom Cruise is very good at portraying smart talks, which I felt lacking in Ritchson. But again since this is the first part, we could see the improvement in the upcoming season.
My friend and I are big fans of Jack Reacher but when TC was cast we were gobsmacked. There couldn’t have been a more unlikely casting ever. He was the opposite of everything JR’s character was. I’m so glad they have finally seen sense! I always had Dolph Lundgren in my head from the day I started reading the books.
I envisioned Liam Neeson, although he's too old for the part, I think.
How yall like reacher?
TC as in Thad Castle?
@@SIGJAMS Theodore cramstole he meant
Tom Cruise
I would love a miniseries. The movies are too short to really tell the story. Lee Child, your books are my favorite. Keep up the good work
A mini- or midi-series is the best way to present a good book in film/video. SHOGUN, Lonesome Dove, The Stand, Roots, Thorn Birds... The Lord of the Rings was decent, but would've been much better in a longer format. As it was, they stretched the limits of the one-sitting movie format with each of the 3 installments, and even that didn't REALLY do it justice.
Game of Thrones could've set the new standard, but they chose a story that the fat, pampered writer hadn't finished and probably never will, and had to finish it with only the abilities of the show-runners to finish it off, creating a HUGE FLOP, which was plain to see as soon as they ran out of Martin's material.
When the Tom Cruise’s Reacher movie came out I was reluctantly happy. As a long time fan, I was happy to have a live action adaptation. But while I enjoyed his portrayal of many of Reacher’s personality based traits, I immediately also had this “uncanny valley” sort of reaction, where it felt like Reacher, but an alternate universe Reacher. That’s when I realized that, on the page, so very much of his character is derived from elements of his physicality. It’s the foundation for many of his traits, habits, behaviors and character moments. Makes sense really, after all, we’re born with a body, and we grow _into_ it, not the other way around. We adapt accordingly to the vessel we’ve been given to a very large extent. It’s also obviously meant to be an extremely defining trait on the page, with the frequency of which his stature, power and prowess are mentioned. Ritchson may be shy a couple inches and a few pounds but you’d never know it, and he sells is perfectly.
Aside from that obvious bit though, I was just amazed at how they nearly perfectly adapted Killing Floor. I can’t really put it in words, but basically I’ve never once had a live action adaptation so perfectly match the movie I created in my mind when I first read the novel. It was bizarre and wonderful all at once.
I am sure there is no shortage of actors with the physical presence this role demands. The Cruise choice was disappointing from the start. I have read every book and always eagerly await a new story.
That Goodness you listened to us readers!!!!! Alan is perfect in this role... I have watched the first reacher 6 times- Need more!!!!!
Nonsense. They decided a reboot was in order after "Never Go Back" sucked complete and total ass. Everything about the 1st film that set it apart from other action films was ignored for its terrible sequel.
That's my take. The second one was a floater and Cruise was one of the few redeeming features. The first was outstanding.
I mean there still was a huge outcry over his casting, although if the second one did well I’m sure he would’ve stayed
The second one was OK, but not up to the first, and certainly not the books (since it took Reacher three books to get to DC) :)
thank you, it just wasn't Reacher, hard movie to watch, ordinary. The 1st movie also had a great bad guy
@@steriopticon2687 - I think the decision to film "Never Go Back" was an extremely poor one and they managed to make it even stupider. Of the half-dozen Reacher novels I've read, the only worse one was "Die Trying".
I have not watched the movies because Jack Reacher in my mind is not Tom Cruise at all. Now the series I watched it at a stretch. The actor is Jack Reacher I did even want to know his real name. Absolutely marvellous & on point. You go along in the journey of the book in the series. No holds barred.
As an avid fan of the Jack Reacher novels, I wholeheartedly agree. While the movies did a good job of following the story, Cruise just doesn’t fit the bill. Reacher was this huge confident, sarcastic/witty badass and while Cruise’s adaption does the sarcasm well enough, he’s by no means intimidating so the confidence comes off as arrogance in my opinion.
I agree, but as big of a bad ass as the reacher character is he isn't a brooding thug. He is actually rather cerebral. He is fearless but he isn't a loose cannon. He is nothing if not analytical.
I’m gonna miss Cruise as Reacher.... he did a great job as he always does
Finally someone I can relate to💖
Jack Reacher, one of the best crime thriller action movies ever with Tom cruise!!! What a great movie , when cruise is no longer acting then people will see what they will be missing, one of the best actors/action movie / thriller movie just all round intense actors of all time !!!
Lee Child has acknowledged that the fans of his books have never been happy with Tom Cruise implausibly and I have to say comically cast as Jack Reacher. Like Danny Davito being cast to play Arnold Schwarzenegger in his life story.
It doesn’t matter that Cruise is a bankable actor he was frankly ridiculous in this role, little man pretending to be a 250Ib ex military cop. It was just painful to behold.
Finally in Alan Ritchson, Jack Reacher has been realised as many of us have pretty much imagined him from the books, and we can gently show Mr big ego but small stature the exit.
@@Chipchase780 you know sometimes your opinion isn’t needed…. Some of us like Tom cruise as Reacher and that’s our fucking opinion so take your opinion and make your own comment or you can shove it up your ass ….your choice😜
@@dentera1528 Reacher is not a midget, it's like if the next 007 were black or hispanic...
Rory McCann (The Hound from GOT) should play Reacher- he’s huge, and he can go from charming to scary in the blink of an eye. If he can hit some kind of American accent, he’d kill it
Like him but don’t know if he can do the accent. Also, Rory is a little old for the part (51)... think they should start out with Reacher in his early 40’s to be true to the books.
Sounds like maybe they need to maybe consider some Pro Wrestlers or Natural Body Builders.
Just once I'd like an American to play an American.
Absolutely! You nailed it.
A young Clint Walker would have been ideal as Reacher. A very large specimen of manhood, with a kindly face.
The hardest thing for me in the Cruise-as-Reacher is that Reacher is supposed to be a lousy driver; I can suspend the size issue, but the crap-driver part was just a bridge too far for me.
...And Cruise doesn't do the best 'taciturn'.
I'd never read the books til i saw the two Cruise movies. I enjoyed the movies a lot, so i read the books and i _really_ enjoyed them. They're a little outside my normal genre, so it was a pleasant surprise. Anyway, i read the series up to & including the book the movie was based on & i rewatched the movie: And i didn't enjoy the movie nearly as much as the first time i watched it. Which i just thought was just weird.
I well remember him defending Cruise at the time and me saying that it was a big mistake. I thought Cruise did a great job but he hadn't the gravitas, the sheer size, the brute power that Reacher has as his trademark. The equivalent of an Arnold Shwarzanegger or Sylvester Stallone 20 years younger is necessary.
i always pictured Clancy Brown playing reacher. but he is also old
Stallone is as short as Cruise, and he’s a shitty actor
Liev Schreiber is my pick.
@@Uncle-Bull Yes...and yes. caution applying truth to youtube, they will flag you.
What Cruise offered, the most valuable, is his film producing quality. Most of the others are just actors (Arnold and Stallone could when younger). Cruise comes with top directors, budget, and supporting actors.
I'm reading Nothing to Lose and always picture Tom Cruise in the part. It's a fun read because while it goes over Jack Reacher's strengths it doesn't at all portray him as being the best at everything. In fact because of his size he is not the fastest runner which they mock Tom Cruise for in every movie he does. But on that note goes to show how much TC is an amazing action star with undeniable strength, will and stamina as well as being equipped with high intellect. That's a huge undertaking and accomplishment and to me adds to the character.
as much as I liked Tom Cruise unmatched acting as Reacher, I have to agree that he couldn't have brought one of his attributes to any portrayal of Reacher.. and I was one of the ones who complained.. I read all of the books up to 'Never Go Back'.. he is cut- in one of the books he stops a .38 caliber bullet with his chest.. I think it is inaccurate to characterize him as a 'brute' though..he is super intelligent, and a top investigator. He is in great physical form, and was a tough guy.. having lots of fighting expertise, but women like him too. So even though Chris Helmsworth is probably not interested, he is a fair choice.. Ice blue eyes, 6'5" (if I remember).. Maybe find someone who was really in the military?
Chris is 6’3. But hey built like brick shithouse and could definitely play the part.
Chris is too pretty. It's not just the height and muscles, folks. In the books, Jack Reacher's face is clearly described as more fascinating than handsome. You need a guy with a chilling frown and a smile you can't quite read. Chris is too...good for it, if you know what I mean.
That .38 was a short load, in fairness.
Currently watching the series right now. I’m enjoying it so far
The books go into detail and really sell just how big and imposing Reacher is. Cruise never fit (literally) the part. Seemed like an extremely odd choice of actor.
Same thing with his portrayal of Lestat in Interview with a Vampire, and he did very well with that. Or Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, since Wolverine is actually pretty short, and he seems to have managed that part.
So happy to hear about the change
Oh please .... Not another Dwayne"The Rock" Johnson role....
Alan Ritchson
Exactly like please dont put Dwayne Johnson in this
@@RAYMOND75600 It won’t be. Alan Ritchson has been officially cast as Reacher.
@@jackalope7774 holy shit if that’s True it’s going to be hard not seeing Thad castle.
@@CALLaBOOTY09 It is true. The show is being done by Amazon. Ritchson is a good actor but I can definitely see it being difficult to shake the Thad Castle image. Haha.
Just finished watching Amazon's Reacher and DAMN! They got the character right. Hope he'll also be in any reacher movie they make.
I like the fact that everyone doesn’t really see him as intimidating and it comes as a shock when he whoops everyone without breaking a sweat
I find the greatest lack in the movies is not the height of the actor but the loss of the inner monologue. Having the voice over narration of the protagonist in past tense is a characteristic of the pulp fiction detective story you find in a few modern movies like "Last Man Standing" and "Sin City" but it was very common in the hard-boiled detective movies of the Forties. It is an archaic form of storytelling, but the most interesting thing about the Reacher novels is the character's thoughts. What is going on in his head is far more interesting than just action on the screen.
I agree with all of Mr Child’s comments. The idea of “long long seasons” with “multiple books” is tantalizing. Never too much Reacher
Nick Nolte when he was in his prime would've been great as Reacher.
Something else is afoot here because I remember before the 1st film came out, the public expressed their disdain for Cruise being Reacher. It was even to the point that prior to release of the movie, Child was defending the choice. I think what's happened is that no film studio would touch the series initially unless someone of Cruises fame was used or willing to be signed and now it's a success they can now tweak the series and ditch Cruise for someone that doesn't have to wear lifts in his shoes to look over a coffee counter.
Cruise also Helped Produce the film which is why he started in the films.
@@melbytvenge I imagine that by the time it came to the public's attention , contracts were signed for two films and they were all committed.
@@sarahdee374 it is that commitment to the 2 films. I am sure cruise made money but if childs keeps it going the next ones will be good.
@@melbytvenge And I'm currently reading Blue Moon. Reacher is repeatedly described as big, imposing etc AND ugly. With the new guy, I think they have the size part, but cannot say he's ugly by any stretch. 😉
Bru Star : That’s indeed how it works in Hollywood
Brilliant! My favorite quote was when a woman in one of the Reacher books says, "The first time I saw him, I thought, he is biggest guy I've ever seen not in a football uniform." That's not Tom Cruise. Cruise was also too pretty to be Reacher. Somebody more like Mickey O'Rourke, who looks rode hard and put up wet all the time, although O'Rourke is too old and has too much of an urban accent. They need to find hulking guy from Nebraska who has been throwing calves around most of his life--has some weather on his face, and some kind of attitude. Looking forward to what comes next. Nice to see Lee Child and put a personality to the name and face!
I honestly thought of David Morse when I was reading the books. He has such a quiet strength and a great persona in his movies.
I emailed Lee Child about my dislike of Tom Cruise as "Reacher" several years ago, and his reply implied that he had no choice in the actor that played Reacher in the original movie. Apparently Tom Cruise (or a company on his behalf) had purchased the rights to the movie.
I've VERY glad to hear that Lee Child is going to be more involved in the ongoing representation of Reacher in future works.
I read that, as well, regarding Cruise purchasing the rights. There must be a limit to those rights or we wouldn't be discussing a potential new actor for the role. What book is Child considering for the next movie??
Lee child as Jack reacher/ he has his pic on all the book jackets & when reading the novel that's what I pictured.😘 did anyone notice
Lee child as the TSA agent in the 2nd movie - never look back?
He was in both movies. He was a cop at a desk in the first one.
The actor who plays "Steapa" in the "Last Kingdom" series, Adrian Boucher, would be ideal for the role of Reacher. Steapa is a large, physically imposing man, who intimidates without having to try. Boucher played that role with a certain degree of panache. Aside from that, I can't really think of an known name actor who has that physicality as well as the acting chops. Dave Batista and Dwayne Johnson have the physicality but do they have the acting ability?
Adrian Bouchet. Good choice, was excellent in The Last Kingdom, an underrated series.
I've read every Jack Reacher book, some several times. Love movies but when I saw that Tom Cruise was playing Reacher it put me off completely and for the reasons Lee Child stated. Tom Cruise for all his acting experience is a ridiculous choice to play the huge intimidating character that Reacher is.
Which one is the knife fight? I used to love those books. I’d buy at airport and read on my off time at work. I’d have to lay the book down on a good part, get some beer and read again. Every book he’d have coffee with a woman. Damn.
I agree with you, I think Tom Cruise wasn't a good choice but honestly I don't know who could be.
@@wh1tewolf4 That's the one that starts with a lady blowing her brains out on the subway, after Reacher totally misreads the situation, called Gone Tomorrow.
So pleased he is trying to keep Reacher closer to the stories.
Tom is pretty. Jack is not
Love his books, I start one and I can't put it down.
yeah, i thought it was an odd choice, but cruise did a fantastic job.
When I first heard that Tom Cruise was going to play Reacher, I thought it was a joke. But, noooooo! Then I thought, what a bizarre choice, or maybe a spoof version like the Bond movie with Peter Sellers and Woody Allen. I'm glad Child is finally trying to get it right. Hope he doesn't blow it again.
I thought Cruise in the first movie portrayed the physical bluntness very well, especially in the bar scene, and the first movie is a great movie by all standards, but it’s just not Jack Reacher
The loyalty to his fans is inspiring
Chuck Conners... Well, someone who looks like the late great man... He was 6’5” or 6’6” and filled out decently after his athletic career... Someone like that... He was fast with a gun and had a big jaw.
I didn’t get this until I started reading the books. Size matters. Tom Cruise is a total badass and no actors in Hollywood does stunt work like Cruise... He’s great in MI and others and did what he could do on the Reacher projects but now I’m trying to get his faces out of the Novels.
I just hope they do this TV thing right and cast the right guy for this.
Bit of Chuck Conners trivia, he was the first NBA player to break the back glass while dunking the ball.
@@kenjohns3614 👍
I am here after watching REACHER on Amazon Prime. I have a lot of respect for this gentleman.
I’ve read every teacher book, massive fan for me... a great choice...
Gerrard Butler ..... 🤷♂️
I would not like an unknown tbh but hey we all like different things.
Yep he has the arrogance and bad ass temper lol
CrankyGamersUk ABSOLUTELY NOT GERALD BUTLER. He is not Tall Enough and he's too TOO OLD. Next!
People forget the star power certain stars bring to the table, and in getting it made in the first place, tbh.
What Tom lacked in size he made up in attitude. Personally I loved him in Reacher. Disappointed.
My thoughts exactly. People are making it sound bad. He thought he nailed it. Of course, he didn't have the physicality, but you could tell he totally understood that character.
Took my sister to see Lee Child in Rogers, Arkansas just after it was announced that Tom Cruise would star in the Reacher movie. Lee was asked about why such a little guy was playing Reacher. The answer was that a big star was excited to make the movie and it would be best to just go with it. The whole audience moaned.
May I suggest Chris Hemsworth. Alternatively, I'll do it for nothing!
Thank Christ Love the Reacher novels and was really dissapointed when Tom Cruise took over. He was way too smarmy in the role.. Great to hear they are going to turn it into a lengthy series and hopefully cover all of the books...Great news alround
This was two years ago and I've heard nothing about any TV series. The pandemic didn't hit until more than a year after this interview, so what happened in 2019?
Nothing!..... also Hope the T.V. SERIES happens!
The problem with Tom Cruise playing Jack Reacher wasn’t his height, Jack Reacher is a bum, Tom Cruise was too well groomed. Cruise did a good job in both films. John Krasinski could be a good Jack Reacher. But it’s funny, everyone moans about Tom Cruise being in the two Jack Reacher films(he’s too short), but no one has mentioned Hugh Jackman being Wolverine, Wolverine is 5 feet 4 inches, Hugh Jackman is 6 feet 2
Maybe Jackman should play Reacher?
@@yega3k Why would you infer that I was suggesting that was the point of that statement? The statement merely begged my question. Forming it as a question was simply to communicate that it was a resulting idea that sprang directly from consideration of that statement. Does that explanation sufficiently address your concern that someone might misunderstand the point of the previous statement?
@@eddieallen2092 You are right. And going back to read the main comment, I think your original reply was clear enough. Will delete.
Maybe because most didn't know he was 5'4".
iv read all the books when i found out tom was reacher i refused to watch the films because of that
Same.
I did the same could not see him playing Reacher made no sense at all.
I promise you, the movies are better than you think. Tom did a great job, and the adaptations were at the very least respectable. I've read all the Jack Reacher books up to Blue Moon, so I know.
No, the movies are worse than I thought possible. Setting aside the poor casting, they made awful, unnecessary changes to the plots. Beyond awful, really. They opted for Hollywood flash rather than Reacher style, completely missing the central elements of the character and the stories.
@@geoplaten337 I disagree, but it's okay.
Hollywood should watch this and learn what respecting the fan base and lore means.
The movies themselves were great. If someone had never read any of the books, they would be wondering what all the fuss was about. Tom did a great job, it’s only the preconceived ideas of what Reacher should look like that created negativity towards the films.
Tom Cruise did a wonderful job channeling jack reacher and portraying the characters personality and attitude I can overlook the actors size as compared to the characters description in novels. The actors quality of the character made me love jack reacher even more And I’m not a big Tom cruise fan but he’s a great actor That’s what books and movies are all about escaping real life and problems and feeling like a hero
I absolutely loved Tom Cruise in the role in the first film, which inspired me to read the books. I was disappointed in the second film though, but was really hoping he’d come back to make a few more with Christopher McQuarrie directing. What Cruise lacked in height he more than made up for in performance, fighting skills and fantastic one-liners. The end of the car chase scene where he leaves the car rolling and joins the bus crowd is sheer genius, and just one of about 50 things I could enthuse over from the first film. It’s a shame; I will just have to keep re-watching the first film. I’ll be very surprised if they find a replacement half as good.
My thoughts word for word sir, maybe just the top 10 action crime thriller movies ever made ....cruise is a generational talent may he long continue to bless us with his professionalism, dedication and superior acting skills
Anybody here after bingeing Reacher in one sitting 😅
Also, agreed. Ritchsons’ size, brutality and no nonsense attitude completely hooked me in.
I never saw the movies because I just couldn’t and can’t see Tom Cruise as Reacher.
Never read the books. But if hes just some hulking guy then he sticks out like sore thumb..looking like a regular sized guy can make him invisible and blend in and dangerous when provocted. Its what made me like the movie version. The mystery of this guy. If he looked like say The Rock, then its just another mindless action movie. Toms version was a good thriller. Idk just my opinion. Tv series sounds like a good idea.
they can make him not stick out like a sore thumb through the magic of.... TV. as in the books he has the ability to be anonymous and slip behind the radar and reveal himself when crunch time comes. the beauty of being a fictional character
Read the books is my advice then watch the movies or like me didn't even entertain the movie just because Tom cruise was chosen fans have an image of jack reacher how he acts he is big but cool calm and collective very intelligent Liam nesson would play reacher very very well
The new guy is what I expect Reacher to look like
Hey what about a black Reacher? Or what about... hold on I got it, a female black Reacher, she could.... no hold on, hey this is it, a transgender black Reacher. No more boring bar fights they could happen due to big misunderstandings in the toilet.
That there is a great comment.
LOL!
Could go for a female BAME lesbian who had a sex change and tick 4 boxes in one go! add a religion and you got 5 boxes ticked \o/
Awomen trans-sister!
- Quack Preacher
That is a great comment - well done!!
Jack reacher is one of my favorite heroes of all time in the world of books, thank you Lee Child
Armie Hammer would be a good fit for this role. Did a good job as a towering Russian in The Man from Uncle..
Sorry, he’s been cancelled. He’s a sick puppy if those allegations are true.
Reachers strength is his intelligence. He is three or four moves ahead of everyone else. Cruise tapped into that. This new guy is great. Now I got to read the books. Ty.
Jason Momoa would fit Reacher to a "t". He was aquaman and did a fantastic job. Jason is tall, dark, muscles galore, perfect.
Fair hair and blue eyes, not
I thought Reacher was supposed to have like an NBA-NFL player appearance; tall, broad chested, and long arms & legs
Yeah, I think he would be great. I don't really care if he looks like he does in the book, but I think he could have that intimidating physical presence and attitude that he was talking about the character needing. Although, I don't know if Momoa would be willing to do television.
I agree that tom cruise is small but i read gone tomorrow as my first lee child novel and i always pictured reacher as tom cruis. I was ecstatic when i seen he was the actor. I do get that reacher is 6 ft an tom cruise is like what 5'8? Lol
Armand Douglas Hammer. Ability, height, presence and character.
Oh, and age.
True. He's a little too pretty, though.
Not sure he's scary enough.
Maybe with the right makeup and wardrobe.
He’s too much of a pretty boy with his all American preppy look.
He would have to bulk up in the gym for many months
Excellent interviewer. Smart, sincere and funny interaction.,
I love the idea of an unknown actor. Like that guy as the Witcher
Henry Cavill was not an unknown actor in the Witcher - He played Superman in three motion pictures - he is great in the Witcher though! He would be believable as Reacher.
The show on Amazon is great. Bing watched season 1 today.
Tom Cruise takes on school bullies in and out of class in his latest blockbuster: Jack Teacher.
At first, I thought that the actor should be much larger but I though Tom did a great job. I'd watch him again in any new movie but I think it would be interesting to see an unknown hulk cast as Reacher. If Tom has to collect unemployment that's just too bad.
I’ve never read the books but I thought the first Jack Reacher movie with Tom was awesome!
I think it’s cool that he’s just a normal everyday guy that can knock all your teeth out before snapping your neck.