For years, the character of punch-happy former military man Jack Reacher has been associated, on screen, at least, with Tom Cruise who, despite throwing himself into the role for two movies, has often been decried as not tall enough. For the TV take on the character, the producers – which include author Lee Child – have plumped for actor Alan Ritchson, who, at around 6' 2", (the official press release gives him a bump to 6'4") is a bit closer to the novels' description of their conflicted hero as 6'5".
Amazon is backing the new show, which Nick Santora is aboard to run. It'll more directly adapt Child's books, kicking off with the initial tome, The Killing Floor. For those who might be unaware (despite our Chris Hewitt's often talking him up, and landing Child for the Podcast more than once), Reacher is an ex-Military police officer who travels around sorting out crimes both armed forces and otherwise, usually getting into dangerous situartions and often – though not always – through the use of force. Think The A-Team where people can shoot straight. Or The Incredible Hulk. Or The Littlest Hobo, except the hobo is very far from little.
Ritchson is best known currently for appearing in DC Universe's Titans and has been seen in the likes of Smallville and Blue Mountain State. He was also in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and the performer who voiced and brought Raphael to life (alongside layers of CG) for the last two live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films.