Prime Video’s Reacher might have built a reputation for its hard-hitting action and no-nonsense approach to Lee Child’s beloved novels, but initially, Alan Ritchson wasn’t sure if he would be perfect for the role. Often feeling insecure about himself playing the massive character, Ritchson admitted to harboring self-doubt while filming season one.
But now, it’s been years that Alan Ritchson has literally become synonymous with Jack Reacher, who once made him doubtful. So, now that the Prime Video show is back for another go, the lead actor sat for an interview to reflect on his biggest problems while filming the series, and explained how he gradually got over it.
Alan Ritchson initially believed he wasn’t right for the role of Jack Reacher
Now that prime video is back with season 3 of the fan-favorite show, Reacher, the lead actor of the series Alan Ritchson sat for an interview with Goggler, to speak about his journey, so far. Reflecting on his initial days of joining the show as Jack Reacher, Ritchson claimed to have major doubts about his casting.
Despite having the physical build and action-star experience, Alan Ritchson somehow felt he wasn’t suitable to portray someone so stoic and emotionless as Lee Child’s retired Military Police Officer. So, while Ritchson certainly had the muscles, he feared that he might fail at capturing the character’s depth and complexity.
Considering how Jack Reacher is known for his intimidating presence, sharp mind, and tough-as-nails attitude, Alan Ritchson opened up about feeling the intense pressure of living up to people’s expectations. But eventually, the actor mentioned how the crew came together as a team to help him overcome his fear and give his best.
I was like, I’m not right for this. I don’t feel like the studio feels like I’m right for this. I don’t feel like I’m big enough and ferocious enough and stoic enough. I didn’t feel like I was enough of Reacher.
And we all just sort of like circled this thing together and as a team worked towards building Reacher together. And as I started doing it, I started to feel like wait, I think I’m right for this… And by the end of season one, I was like I think I got Reacher figured out.
Although the weight of portraying such a well-loved character made Alan Ritchson question himself, the actor later noted figuring out who Jack Reacher was, as he delved into filming. So eventually, despite his self-doubt, Ritchson gave his best, bringing a mix of strength and intelligence to the character. Now, after multiple seasons, he has proven that he was not just right for the role—he is Jack Reacher.
Alan Ritchson thought Reacher might flop due to one significant reason
But then even after landing the role and completing filming season one, Alan Ritchson claimed to be plagued by yet another doubt. He feared Reacher wouldn’t succeed, because people wouldn’t be interested in such a stoic and emotionless character as Jack Reacher. He felt that the issue he initially faced in portraying the character would be the death of the show.
It took a lot to feel like I was enough because Reacher does very little. And I was like, I don’t think this is interesting, I mean who’s gonna be interested in this? You know I’m like just standing here not emoting, saying nothing. You know it’s tricky.
And then the fights are being explosive and fun and that’s when I sort of feel comfortable because it’s like, now I’m moving… and it’s a little more exciting. But most of the show you know it’s just sort of I’m standing there very still, and it’s hard.
Considering how the majority of the Prime Video show was about Jack Reacher just expressing no emotions, Alan Ritchson questioned whether viewers would give Reacher a chance. But his fears were put to rest once the show premiered and Reacher became an instant hit. After the show was praised for its gripping action, strong storytelling, and the actor’s commanding performance, Ritchson’s doubts faded.
Reacher is currently available to watch on Prime Video.
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