Amazon Prime Video’s third season of Reacher has brought Alan Ritchson back as the towering drifter-turned-investigator, earning widespread acclaim for his portrayal. Adapted from Lee Child’s acclaimed novels, the series has quickly become a flagship success for the streaming service since its 2022 debut. Meanwhile, Tom Cruise’s earlier interpretations of Jack Reacher in the 2012 film Jack Reacher and its 2016 sequel Never Go Back continue to invite comparisons with Ritchson’s take on the character.
Both Cruise’s movies performed well commercially, but many fans of the original novels expressed disappointment with the casting choice. The literary Reacher is a physically dominant figure standing at 6 feet 5 inches, known for his immense strength. Cruise’s 5-foot-7 frame naturally contrasted with the imposing image readers imagined, limiting how closely his portrayal matched the character’s distinctive presence.
Physicality and Presence: The Core of Reacher’s Identity
The essence of Jack Reacher’s character comes from his physical dominance, which is a fundamental part of his identity beyond mere acting ability. Consequently, when Amazon developed their television adaptation, finding someone who embodied both Reacher’s physical stature and spirit became a priority. This search led to Alan Ritchson, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches and carries a formidable presence.
Lee Child, the author of the series, pointed out how difficult it was to locate an actor with both the size and the skill required for Reacher, but noted that Ritchson appeared naturally suited to the role. His very presence on screen suggests a man capable of making villains think twice before confronting him.
“This is what 6’3″ and 235 pounds looks like: Alan Ritchson – Jack Reacher pic.twitter.com/d0sD6yYG2V”
— Krista Steele, Social Media Commentator
Differences in Acting Style Between Cruise and Ritchson
Tom Cruise’s portrayal leaned into the action hero archetype familiar from his broader film career. His Reacher is calculated, swift, and tactical, fighting with precision and control rather than overwhelming physical force. In contrast, Alan Ritchson’s Reacher moves with the blunt power of a hammer. His confrontations feel visceral and intense, with every punch carrying substantial impact. Both display skill in combat, but their interpretations vastly differ; Cruise emphasizes methodical efficiency, while Ritchson’s performance conveys raw and unrelenting strength.
The tone of each portrayal also varies significantly. Cruise’s Reacher resembles an action star navigating a mystery plot, often more personable and engaging in social interactions. Ritchson’s interpretation is colder and more reserved, reflecting the loner nature described in the novels. The television format, spanning multiple seasons, allows Ritchson’s version to explore Reacher’s military history, formative years, and nomadic lifestyle in greater depth.
By contrast, Cruise’s films had limited time to delve into these layers, focusing mainly on energy-driven storytelling. The episodic nature of the Amazon series affords Ritchson space to build a multidimensional character who balances humanity with unyielding toughness.
Reception and Critical Opinion on Both Portrayals
Lee Child has publicly praised both actors, though he has expressed that Ritchson better aligns with the Reacher character he originally envisioned. Critical and audience responses also highlight this preference. The 2012 Jack Reacher movie received moderate acclaim with a 64% critic score and 67% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the 2016 sequel’s ratings dropped to 37% and 42%, respectively. In contrast, Reacher Season One earned 92% from critics and 91% from viewers, with subsequent seasons climbing even higher to 98% critic approval.
How Both Versions Complement Each Other
Despite the different receptions, Tom Cruise’s earlier films laid essential groundwork that brought the Reacher character to a global audience. Alan Ritchson himself reportedly reached out to Cruise to thank him for raising the franchise’s profile. Rather than direct competitors, their portrayals represent two facets of the same character: Cruise’s Reacher embodies a polished, Hollywood-style action hero, while Ritchson channels a grounded and formidable force closer to the original book’s descriptions.
Each actor contributed unique aspects to Jack Reacher’s legacy. Cruise infused personality and charisma into a generally stoic role, introducing the character to new viewers, while Ritchson restored the intimidating physical presence and raw power that fans of the novels anticipated. For audiences familiar with Lee Child’s work, the image of a towering figure navigating desolate roads on Prime Video now feels like the definitive Reacher.
Tom Cruise in JACK REACHER pic.twitter.com/URTjfnBVBg
— Cinema Connoisseur (@MovieEndorser) June 27, 2025
This is what 6'3" and 235 pounds looks like: Alan Ritchson – Jack Reacher pic.twitter.com/d0sD6yYG2V
— Krista Steele (@SciVizKrista) April 14, 2025
