“A disservice to the books”: Alan Ritchson reveals why he doesn’t like the idea of a Reacher film

Reacher has turned out to be one of the most popular shows on Prime Video. The action crime drama recently finished airing its third season, which shattered streaming records. The show is based on Lee Child’s novel series and stars Alan Ritchson as the titular former military officer with impeccable strength and skills.

Now that the third season is over and the wait for the fourth installment has begun, some fans have been demanding a film adaptation of the novels with Alan Ritchson in the lead. The actor, however, is not very keen on the idea of a Reacher film.

In an interview with Men’s Journal, Ritchson was asked about the possibility of a film that could continue the television series. The actor said he is not interested in that, as he thinks a movie would not be able to justify Lee Child’s work:

“I think it would probably do a disservice to the books. I don't know if I'd fight for films. I like being able to weave in what feels like two, three, or four films around Reacher throughout the year. I'm happy with the way things are.”

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Alan Ritchson is not interested in a Reacher film

In his interview, Alan Ritchson added that with the Prime Video series, one book of the novel series is adapted into one season. The eight-episode season is the ideal time required to adapt the books perfectly, and he thinks movies would not be able to create the same magic:

“I can't speak to movies. I enjoy the format that we've got so much, and it works so well where we do a book a season. I think eight episodes seem to be the perfect amount of time to break out a book.”

Interestingly, Lee Child’s novels have already been adapted into films. In 2012, Tom Cruise starred as Jack Reacher in a film of the same name, which was directed by Christopher McQuarrie. In 2016, a sequel to the film was released, subtitled Never Go Back.

While the movie saw box office success, a section of the audience pointed out that Cruise did not fit the description of the book character as he did not possess the same physique. Fans were then happy to see Alan Ritchson stepping into the shoes of the former military officers in the television adaptation.

Ritchson debuted the role in 2022 with the series premiere, and then there was no looking back. The actor has received rave reviews for his portrayal of the lead. A fourth season of the show has already been announced, which will begin filming in the summer of 2025.

Reacher seasons 1 to 3 are streaming on Prime Video.