Lee Child says Alan Ritchson was chosen as Jack Reacher because his imposing physical presence closely matches the character’s description in the novels. After Tom Cruise played Reacher in two films despite being much smaller than the book character, Child and the television team wanted an actor whose size would prevent further debate about Reacher’s appearance.

Child also said television’s funding model gave the producers greater freedom than a major film, where a famous actor may be needed to justify a large budget. Prime Video could therefore cast Ritchson on the basis of his suitability for the role rather than his ability to attract investment or audiences. *Reacher* is streaming on Prime Video, while Child’s next Reacher novel, *Chain Reaction*, is due on 20 October.