Lee Child’s book series Jack Reacher has been the subject of several on-screen adaptations. Followed by Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher film series, Alan Ritchson took over the character for Prime Video’s action crime TV series. Unlike Cruise, the casting of the former military officer in the TV series met with praise as Ritchson’s physique resembled the character from the book series. The TV show was received very well, and Ritchson is set to reprise his character in the second season of Reacher.
The Fast X actor recently joined Rich Eisen on his talk show and shared that he wanted to express his gratitude to Tom Cruise in a letter. However, the show’s producer advised him not to do so, saying that the Mission Impossible star has moved on from Jack Reacher.
Alan Ritchson’s Appreciation Letter to Tom Cruise
Before Alan Ritchson portrayed the former military officer in the Prime Video series, Tom Cruise brought the character to life in the 2012 action thriller Jack Reacher. Based on the ninth book in the series, One Shot, the film did pretty great at the box office, making over $218 million, and also received positive reviews.
He reprised his character in the 2016 sequel to the film, which ended up with mixed reviews and was unable to have the same or better box office reception as the 2012 film. After which, plans for a third installment in the franchise were reportedly delayed.
The series was followed by the Prime Video series starring Ritchson based on the first novel in the Jack Reacher book series, Killing Floor. During his recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the Ghosts of War actor revealed that he wanted to reach out to Cruise to thank him for everything he did for the franchise.
“I just felt it was the respectful thing to do. You know, ‘Dear Tom, Mr. Cruise, I appreciate what you did for the brand,’” he explained. The 40-year-old actor stated that Cruise’s association has played a significant role in making the series so popular. However, producer Don Granger advised him not to reach out to the Top Gun star.
Reacher Producer’s Warning to Alan Ritchson
Producer Don Granger has been involved with the Jack Reacher franchise since Tom Cruise’s 2012 film. And he also joined the TV series as executive producer alongside the author of the book series Lee Child. And he was also the one who advised him not to reach out to Cruise.
Alan Ritchson stated during his appearance on the talk show that he shared the idea to reach out to The Mummy star. “I feel like, you know, I wrote him a letter, and I was like, ‘Should I give this to him?” he shared. However, he was suggested not to do anything like that.
“And [Granger] goes, ‘You know, I think it’s best just to — you know, he wants to move on from this, he gave it his blessing, he’s totally fine with what’s happening right now, I think we should just leave it.”
The Black Mirror actor shared that he took Granger’s advice and has not talked to the action star about the Jack Reacher film or TV series. He is set to reprise his role in the second season of the show, which is expected to premiere on Prime Video in December 2023.