Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher? NOOOOO!
Update: I just jumped on Lee Child’s website and it looks like it’s no rumor.
If you have no idea who Reacher is, please check out this list of Lee Child Books In Order Of Publication.
Now that you’re back, I have heard a disquieting rumor. They are going to make movies of the Lee Child books. That’s not the disquieting part. This is long overdue.
But I heard that Tom Cruise was in talks for the role. This is…disappointing.
The only way around it is to come up with better ideas for who will play Jack Reacher.
The stats:
- He is tall (about 6’4″)
- He is tough
- He almost always beds a woman by the end of the novel, usually finishing “In a frenzied tangle” or another of Child’s pet phrases for the afterglow
- Ex Military Policeman (or active, depending on where you’re at in the series)
- Vagabond–has no residence, buys clothes every two days, rides lots of buses
- Extremely skilled in hand-to-hand combat. Best description of this yet, “It’s like having a running chainsaw thrown at you”
Now be honest, do any of these things send the diminutive Tom Cruise jumping up and down on the couch in your brain?
So, alternatives. We need big men who can fight believably. My first thought was of Yao Ming, but I heard that he’s from China, and that wouldn’t be faithful to the source material.
Another commenter on the post I linked to suggested Ray Stevenson. I think that’s a good call. He was appropriately tough and crazy in Rome, The Punisher, and Kill The Irishman.
I am also thinking of calling Mr. Child and suggesting my friend Will Williams. He might be overly tattooed and a couple of inches short, but they can work wonders with them computers these days. He’s appropriately muscled and the attitude is about right.
Your turn. Who should play the role? Who should play Jack Reacher?
Josh
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{ 71 comments… read them below or add one }
Kevin Durand, the head mercenary on Lost, and Little John in Robin Hood: http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/05/12/exclusive-%E2%80%98lost%E2%80%99-star-kevin-durand-on-playing-little-john-in-%E2%80%98robin-hood%E2%80%99/
He’s 37, about the age I think of Reacher being perpetually. No on Cruise – that’s as bad as having Mathew McConaughey play Dirk Pitt! (Oh wait, they did that, didn’t they?)
i think it should be steve austin or jason statham they look the part and play the parts in previos films
Good picks.
Dominic Purcell from Prison Break. I also like Mark Valley from Human Target but he does not have the height.
What about Jason Momoa from Game of Thrones, Or Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Supernatural/Watchmen).
Sharyn, you’ve hit the nail on the head… Jeffrey Dean Morgan would be perfect! I think he would make a great Reacher – tough, dark, moody, handsome, sexy…
Tom Berenger in his MUCH younger days would have been a good pick too.
Tom Cruise? Ridiculous!
Christian Bale – check out “Harsh Times” he is reported to be 6’2″
Saw it a couple of years ago. Check.
The 6’8″ requirement is going to be tough to fill, but as you mentioned, Hollyweird has it’s tricks. My two picks would be Dewayne Johnson, and Rich “Ace” Franklin. I know that Franklin is starting to make the switch from the UFC to movies, but I’m not sure about his acting chops.
Rich started talking about that quite a while ago, didn’t he? I think the first time I heard him mention acting was shortly after the second Anderson Silva fight.
Josh,
I just read my first Reacher novel by Lee Child. It’s the newest one, I’m still not sure how much I like the character. Avil
A friend told me once that the Reacher books are “Trashy romance for men,” and that Lee Child was the Nora Roberts of violence. Made me laugh.
How ’bout it, Hanagarne? YOU reach the height requirement, and you’re EVERYTHING Tom Cruise ISN’T! How ’bout Chao Yun Phat? Yau Ming is also a good choice. The whole reason behind Tom Cruise getting picked to play Lestat in that Anne Rice Vampire flick? HE SUCKS!
You should play this guy! You’ve already read all the books, you’re in shape, and you’re 6’8″! 
Lee Child won’t return my calls!
At this rate, I’m going to be able to drag my wife to see movies based on books by all my favorite writers. Got to see Lincoln Lawyer because of Matthew McConaughey.
Not a fan of the Cruise pick myself.
Cruise is a horrendous choice to play a hulking giant who kicks the crap out of huge people with one well-timed punch or kick to a vulnerable spot.
And Reacher is 6’5″, not 6’8″.
Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, Clint Eastwood 30 years ago (for the attitude, Clint is Reacher’s attitude all the way).
Love it. Actually, Hugh Jackman IS Clint Eastwood 30+ years ago . . .
I’ve always thought of Liam Neeson as Reacher.
My choice…tough one but how about Hellboy Ron Perlman. Don’t recall how tall he is, but he’s a pretty big guy. Also think he would make the perfect Harry Bosch.
Tom Cruise would be a great choice………if the rest of the cast is made up of members of the lollipop guild. I have a better idea. Cast Verne Troyer in the role and just make the movie an all midget affair. I mean, seriously? How about Gerard Butler? He’s a certified badass. Hugh Jackman? He has the attitude. Jeffery Dean Morgan, Dewayne Johnson? And my personal pick would be Vince Vaugn. The height matches perfectly and I think he would nail Reacher’s sense of humor. A little time in the weight room and he would be good to go. And I would like to see him in a more serious role.
My picks would be Tim Olyphant from Hitman or Mads Mikkelson from Casino Royale. As an outside pick maybe Paul Bettany from The Legion and Priest. I would like to hear your thoughts on these picks.
I think Mikkelson is an inspired choice. Well done.
Would really like to give Lee Childs a good beating for allowing Tom Cruise to be cast in the role. Absolute tosh. Compare and contrast to the tack taken by JK Rowling who chose not to sell her soul to Hollywood and had a big hand in casting – bah!
Like Bob’s choices above – he gets lead casting director for the next film in my view!
Personally i always visualised someone more like Titus Welliver (in his longer haired, bearded roles!) Think he is too old for the role now but eminently better than bl**dy Tom Cruise.
Titus! I had no idea what that guy’s name was, but I like the choice. Anything’s better than Cruise. I think George Foreman would be better than Tom Cruise.
I think George Formby would be better than Tom Cruise! lol
Amy, you win this comment thread. That will not be topped. Holy crap that’s funny.
I agree, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher is a joke. Take a look at David James Elliott in the last series of JAG and in the following SCROUNGERS tv show. He looks more Reacher like in height and build. Jack’s appearance is very distinctive and Tom Cruise does not stack up
You win for today, Vicki. I haven’t thought about JAG in a long time. Awesome.
Thank You. I have only recently watched the latest episodes of JAG and immediately RABB reminded me of Reacher in looks and height. He is an imposing man and in scenes from Scroungers he appears to have been working out. He has a Jack Reacher feel about him.
How about Leonardo DiCaprio?
He’s played similar roles, he has blond hair, and he’s kinda tall.
Oh my god….you thought of a WORSE choice than Tom Cruise.
Didn’t think it was actually possible!
Read all Reacher novels and enjoyed them. Some great, others not so great. So who are we gonna get to play this guy, tough one. I’ll admit TC wouldn’t have been my first choice but then watch his performances in Collateral and Valkyrie , there is screen presence there, he can “carry” a movie . Maybe we should,nt be so dismissive after all, the best Reacher is inside our heads.
john cena out of the marine
Good one!
First of all Jack Reacher is 6′ 4″ not 6″8″ tall. Now, Mr. Child has said that Reacher’s height is simply a metaphor which is why he thinks Mr. Cruise could play the part. I would have to disagree, Reacher’s size plays a huge part in who he is, how he presents to others and interacts with the world in general. Whoever plays the role needs to have a “presences” in order to dominate those around him. He must also have the size in order to have a impact on those around him. Ryan Reynolds is only 6″ 1″, another possible would be Dominic Purcell from Blade 3 but again he is only 6′ 1″. One obvious choice would be Dwayne Johnson, Dwayne is 6″ 4″ tall, definately has a “presence” and can dominate a room. He can also act, although most critics don’t see it. His movie “The Rundown” was a funny, action movie that he played very well (not a movie many people saw). Mr. Cruise will bring a big budget to a Reacher movie and although he can play action roles very well he simply doesn’t have the size that makes this character demands. They should definatley make these movies but Hollywood must find the right actor first. If they screw up the first one with the wrong guy the others movies won’t be made. Just like Hollywood screwed up Stephen Hunters “Point of Impact”, the wrong actor with a terrible script destoyed what should have been a great movie.
I fixed the height, thank you.
No; Reacher is 6’5″. Cruise would suck, because he’s too marketed. I used to not like him, but now I think, after much thought, Dolph Lundgren [6'5"] would be excellent.
Steve austin would be ideal and my second pick would be vin diesel ! Dwayne johnson is too friendly and too warm !
I think Steve Austin is too much of a “muscle head”; he lacks the right charisma. Dwayne Johnson? Same problem.
Steve austin is jack reacher in condemned ! I thought that lee child had written the script ! If tom cruise is an option then why not robin williams ?
Robin Williams it is.
I think Joe Manganiello would be perfect. He is 6’5 and the right age, and a good actor, and has the right physique. Hair can be dyed and contacts can change eye-color.
As to Tom Cruise… Mr. Child has really sold out to Hollywood! (and also phoned in his last effort, I might add).
You know what, I think that guy could be great. Maybe a bit too pretty, but you can always use makeup to ugly up!
How about Kane Hodder? Look him up on IMDB if you don’t know who he is. I think he could do this role. He’s got the age, not quite the height, but definitely the attitude.
Ya know what, Peter Hermann is another good choice. Got the height, that’s for sure. He’s married to Mariska Hargitay of SVU fame.
Alexander Skarsgard. He’s Eric from True Blood. He has the height would just need to bulk up some. Very sexy and very intimidating. Maybe too young, but I could live with that.
YES! I totally agree. He has the piercing ice blue eyes, and stoic expression too. Alexander would be perfect.
Viggo Mortensen or Vince Vaughn both would be good.
Reacher isn’t muscled particulary he’s just big, it says he never worked out or anything beyond regular training it just bored him. How about liev schreiber, I like jeffrey dean Morgan thought that myself and the guy from hellboy. If it could be tom cruise then why not go black and have denzel Washington, he’s big and has presence and it wouldn’t change the story plus man on fire was very jack reacher style. Can’t be tom cruise!
Denzel!
Just finished watching Super 8 and it struck me, That although he is 6’1″, Kyle Chandler, the guy who plays the dad/deputy, could be Jack Reacher. There is no way in hell I will watch it, if Cruise is playing him. I can’t watch anything he’s in. In fact, if Cruise had any integrity, he wouldn’t accept a role that is completely unfit for him.
I’ve given this much thought and I really think the best person would be Dolph Lundgren. He’s 6’5″, so he gets the height, AND the physique. He’s got the blond hair and the face/eye color. He has a “flat” accent, so there’s no accent problems. Check out his credentials. The guy has a degree in chemical engineering, and a few others. He’s no dummy, and I don’t think the Reacher role has to be too in depth. Think about it. Tom Cruise? NO F***ING WAY!
Please…Please…PLEASE DO NOT put Cruise in this role. He is too small and not as badass as Reacher is. Maybe Hugh Jackman? I am also trying to finish up all the Cussler novels…..I weep everytime I picture Matthew McConaughey as Dirk Pitt…..it’s just not right I tell ya….just not right….
Liam Neeson, Gerard Butler, Clive Owen, Jeffrey Dean Morgan or Hugh Jackman. Gerard Butler or Jeffrey Dean Morgan would be my first choices, they’re tall, big and great actors. Liam Neeson would be perfect as well…just doesn’t have as much sex appeal. When I heard Tom Cruise was going to play Reacher I was extremely disappointed! I started reading the Jack Reacher novels in order…I am currently on #8 The Enemy…and now, after hearing the news I can’t help but picture Cruise while reading…it’s just not the same. I always pictured Reacher to be this tough scruffy sort of giant, who was also extremely attractive and definitely bad ass. Tom Cruise just doesn’t fit the criteria.
What about Ben Aflack. He has the height, size and has played tough guys.
it has to be channing tatum! He is a bit younger, but has the attitude and body down to a T!!
Love Lee Child but i love Reacher more. I always imagine it’s Mark Valley as Reacher when i read the book. Tall, muscled, not so handsome as described in the book but always has an aura that is always different from the rest. Tatum would be ok too playing the younger Reacher or David James Elliott for the recent novels.
Jim Caviezel should play Jack Reacher. I love him in Person of Interest and he would be a great Jack Reacher!
how can lee child develope books around Reachers physique which he does as reacher’s height strength even the size of his hands and feet are component parts of the stories,then chuck all that away for a name,tom cruise,whats he going to do put Tom on boxes all the time or dig ditches for the other actors to stand in,only actor who comes within reachers description although he will have to beef up a bit is Ivan Sergei.if Tom is given the role i for one will not watch it
I always pictured Reacher as a “young” Steven Stegall. He is a bit over the hill now. BUT what about Anson Mount. He is tall, has attitude and is fine to look at. (Hell On Wheels.) I may not go to Reacher movie if it is Cruise. Will tarnish the image I have of Reacher. I don’t want to see Cruise’s face when I read the books.
Why does it have to be a well known actor . give a unknown actor the role if he fits Lee Childs description of the character. Not many jack reacher fans will go and see the film with TC in it as it makes a mockery of the whole reason everyone is wary of JR, his size, its mentioned on every other page. I would like a new face as he can grow into the role and wont be off making other films delaying the sequels at last count there were 18 books.
Tom Cruise lacks the physical attributes of Jack Reacher. I envision someone like Jim Caviezel who currently stars in “Person of Interest” hope they get the Reacher character right.
Reacher is described as being 6’5″, weighing 250 lbs. To put that in perspective – Dwayne Johnson is 6’5″, 275; Jim Caviezel is 6’2″, 190. So, Reacher is somewhere between these guys in muscularity (and he can’t be skinny – in one book, he lifts a guy and crushes his ribs in a bear hug – that is a powerful guy). Tom Cruise isn’t going to crush any ribs anytime soon . . .
Frank, I’ll set up a meet between you and Tom and we’ll see if he can bearhug you into a coma. I’m guessing no, but I’d like to see him try.
Let’s start a campaign for Jim Caviezel
The very best actor to play Jack Reacher is the actor who plays the starring role in “Person of Interest, a new hit series on TV, the hit man. Definitely NOT Tom Cruise. I would not go and see a movie of Jack Reacher’s with Cruise playing the main character!!
David Morse would be the perfect Jack Reacher
How about the actor who plays in the hit series on TV “Person of Interest”? He would make an excellent Jack Reacher, definitely not Tom Cruise. Would not go to see a movie with him playing the role of Reacher. Not tall enough and too “angelic”. Reacher is not!
How about Mark Valley who plays Christopher Chance in “Human Target” . He is, however, only 5’11″ tall and is about 45 yrs old.
In the series, he is intelligent,smart and seems well versed in the
fighting skills.
Better than Cruise.
Randy Couture? I’ve only seen him in The Unit, but he was pretty good and has the rugged MP feel about him…..hair would be a minor problem….and those ears too.
They could take the ears out with some extreme CGI.