Lee Child says Alan Ritchson was the right actor to play Jack Reacher because he convincingly captures both the character’s imposing physicality and intelligence. Ritchson reportedly studies the novels obsessively, using details about Reacher’s mood, instincts and personality to shape his performance.

Ritchson first played Reacher in Prime Video’s 2022 adaptation of Killing Floor, and his interpretation has remained closely connected to Child’s original creation despite later changes for television. Child says the partnership has benefited both the actor and the franchise, while acknowledging that he still imagines Reacher differently after nearly three decades of writing the character.