Reacher hero reveals thoughtful letter she wrote (but didn’t send) to Tom Cruise

Reacher star Alan Richson has revealed his initial plans to reach out and thank his predecessor Tom Cruise. Based on the best-selling novels by Lee Child, Richson plays the title role of a heavyset ex-military man in Prime Video’s 2022 streaming series. Long before Richson had a chance to prove himself in the role, the character he possessed was brought to the big screen by Tom Cruise in 2012 with Jack Reacher and its 2014 sequel, Jack Reacher – Point of No Return.

During a recent episode of The Rich Essen Show, Richson opened up about Cruise’s time in the role and his desire for the star to reach out to honor his work. Revealing that he had originally written a letter to Cruise thanking him for what he had brought to the character, he admitted that he was prevented from sending it by his producer Don Granger who Cruise also worked on the Jack Reacher films. Here are his comments starting after 3:20 in the video:

“You know, Don Granger, who directs the film at Skydance, produces all of Tom Cruise’s movies, worked with him for years and helped him create this character, he’s my boss on the show and producer. I said to him, ‘Should I respectfully address Tom?’ I wrote a letter and it came to my mind: “Should I give it to him? Would it be unfair? And he was like, “I think it’s for the best. He just wants to move on from it. He’s given his blessing. He’s totally fine with what’s going on right now. I think we need to leave it alone.” should leave.” So no, I never talked to him. I thought it was an honorable thing to do. “Dear Mr. Cruz, I appreciate what you’ve done for the brand.” I think a big part of Reacher’s success is due to his eyes. Say what you want whether it was true for Reacher or not, but most people know Reacher for Mr. Cruise. I am very grateful to him and all that he has brought to the show.”

When Tom Cruise was first announced as Child’s beefy hero, his casting caused considerable concern among readers of the original books. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing over 250 pounds, the book version of Jack Reacher was an intimidating figure whose looks were often used lethally. In contrast, his 1.70 Anglo-Saxon was deemed insufficient for the role.

However, Cruise’s choice would ultimately win Child’s approval, suggesting that the size of Reacher was “a metaphor for an irresistible force, which Cruise interprets in his own way.” While Cruz did not have the same size as other potential contenders such as Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, he possessed the intensity and charisma necessary for a highly capable fighter, using his mind to equal effect with physical strength. . In addition, her considerable popularity as a star played an important role in attracting a wider audience than those who read the original novel.

While many critics and moviegoers praise Richeson’s more true-to-the-book portrayal of the character, the actor has a strong argument: His tenure would not have been possible without Cruise paving the way. While Reacher on the big screen didn’t immediately inject a sense of menace like his TV counterpart, Cruise excelled in portraying his own version of the character, who had developed his impressive skills and deductive reasoning through years of experience. . It’s encouraging that Reacher’s new star also honors and respects the work of the man who came before him.