There are two Jack Reacher films starring Tom Cruise: Jack Reacher (2012) and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016). Despite their box office success, the adaptation of Lee Child’s iconic character proved controversial, leading to the series’ reboot with a new actor in a television format.
A Controversial Casting Choice: From Page to Screen
The selection of Tom Cruise to embody Jack Reacher ignited a passionate debate among fans of Lee Child’s book series. Cruise, a towering figure in Hollywood, brought undeniable star power and action prowess to the role. However, a significant point of contention arose from Cruise’s physical stature. In the novels, Reacher is described as a hulking figure, standing at 6’5″ and possessing considerable physical presence. Cruise, at around 5’7″, fell significantly short of this depiction.
Despite the physical discrepancies, both Jack Reacher and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back enjoyed commercial success. They showcased Cruise’s talent for action choreography and his ability to embody the stoic and resourceful nature of the character, albeit with a different physical interpretation. However, the persistent criticism surrounding the casting ultimately led to the decision to recast the role to better align with the book’s description.
Film Breakdown: A Look at the Two Movies
Let’s delve deeper into the two films starring Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher:
Jack Reacher (2012)
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Jack Reacher is based on Lee Child’s novel One Shot. The film opens with a sniper attack that leaves five people dead. James Barr, a former Army sniper, is arrested and, during interrogation, requests only one thing: “Get Jack Reacher.” Reacher, a former military police officer who has since gone off the grid, arrives to investigate, skeptical of Barr’s innocence. He quickly uncovers a complex conspiracy that leads him to confront a formidable enemy.
Jack Reacher received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Cruise’s performance and the film’s suspenseful plot. The action sequences were well-choreographed, and the film captured the essence of Reacher’s enigmatic and resourceful character.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, directed by Edward Zwick, is based on the 18th book in the Jack Reacher series. This film sees Reacher return to his old military unit to help Major Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders), who has been wrongly accused of espionage. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. They also have to protect a young woman named Samantha Dayton, who might be Reacher’s daughter.
While Jack Reacher: Never Go Back was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews. Critics felt the plot was less compelling than the first film, and some found the action sequences less inventive. The chemistry between Cruise and Smulders was praised, but the overall impact of the film was considered less satisfying than its predecessor.
The Future of Reacher: From Film to Television
Acknowledging the persistent criticism about casting, Lee Child ultimately decided to reboot the Jack Reacher franchise as a television series on Amazon Prime Video. This allowed for a more faithful adaptation of the book series and the opportunity to cast an actor who more closely resembled Reacher’s physical description. The television series, simply titled Reacher, premiered in 2022 with Alan Ritchson in the lead role. The show has been widely praised for its faithfulness to the source material and Ritchson’s portrayal of Reacher.
FAQs: Understanding the Jack Reacher Universe
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Tom Cruise Jack Reacher movies and the broader Jack Reacher universe:
1. Why was Tom Cruise cast as Jack Reacher if he didn’t match the book’s description?
The decision to cast Tom Cruise was likely driven by a combination of factors, including his star power, his proven ability to carry action films, and the studio’s desire to reach a wider audience. While his physical stature differed significantly from the book’s portrayal, Cruise brought a certain charisma and intensity to the role that appealed to many viewers. Ultimately, it was a creative decision aimed at maximizing the film’s commercial potential.
2. What are the titles of the two Jack Reacher movies starring Tom Cruise?
The two Jack Reacher movies starring Tom Cruise are Jack Reacher (2012) and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016).
3. Are the Jack Reacher movies based on specific books in the series?
Yes. Jack Reacher (2012) is based on the novel One Shot, while Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) is based on the novel of the same name.
4. Were the Tom Cruise Jack Reacher movies successful at the box office?
Yes, both Jack Reacher (2012) and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) were commercially successful, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide.
5. Why was the Jack Reacher film series discontinued with Tom Cruise?
While the movies were successful, the persistent criticism about Cruise’s casting as Reacher, who is described as a physically imposing figure in the books, ultimately led to the decision to reboot the franchise in a television format. Lee Child acknowledged that fans had a valid point and decided a change was necessary to better align with the source material.
6. Who plays Jack Reacher in the Amazon Prime Video series?
Alan Ritchson plays Jack Reacher in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher.
7. Is the Reacher television series more faithful to the books than the movies?
Yes, the Reacher television series is generally considered to be more faithful to the books, particularly in terms of the character’s physical description and overall tone.
8. How many seasons of the Reacher television series are there?
As of late 2023, there are two released seasons of Reacher on Amazon Prime Video, and a third season has been confirmed.
9. Will Tom Cruise ever return to the role of Jack Reacher?
It is highly unlikely that Tom Cruise will return to the role of Jack Reacher. The decision to reboot the franchise as a television series was driven by the desire to cast an actor who more closely resembles the character’s physical description, and Alan Ritchson has been well-received in the role.
10. What are the differences between the Jack Reacher in the books, the Tom Cruise movies, and the Amazon Prime Video series?
The primary difference lies in physical appearance. The Jack Reacher of the books is a large, imposing figure. Tom Cruise’s portrayal downplayed this aspect. The Amazon Prime Video series Reacher features Alan Ritchson, whose physical stature is much closer to the book’s description. Tone and depth of character differ as well, with some fans believing the series allows more room for Reacher’s complexities to develop.
11. Where can I watch the Jack Reacher movies starring Tom Cruise?
The Jack Reacher movies starring Tom Cruise are typically available for rent or purchase on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu. They may also occasionally be available on subscription streaming services depending on licensing agreements.
12. Which Jack Reacher movie is considered the better adaptation of the source material, Jack Reacher or Jack Reacher: Never Go Back?
Jack Reacher (2012) is generally considered the better adaptation of the source material. It is praised for its suspenseful plot, well-choreographed action sequences, and faithful portrayal of Reacher’s enigmatic character. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016), while commercially successful, received mixed reviews and was considered less compelling than its predecessor.