Casting Call: Jack Reacher
May 22nd, 2008
Having just plowed my way through the most recent entry, (“Bad Luck and Trouble”) in the always exciting, addictive and best-selling Jack Reacher thriller series by Lee Child, I found myself yet again perplexed why Hollywood – buying book rights without thought lately – hasn’t gotten around to adapting any of the novels. After all, the series is perfect fodder for an exciting film franchise, not only because all the novels are completely engrossing and have a great central character, but also because they’re all stand-alone adventures. So even if Hollywood isn’t there yet, I thought I might do some of their work for them in advance, and throw in some suggestions for people who could star as the stoic hero.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Though I think his military type role in DOOM kind of proves he can’t do this kind of part (though that may have been more the fault of the script), and he seems too interested in being a goof-ball these days, I don’t think there’s any denying physically he could play the character quite well.
Bruce Willis
The reason I suggest Willis is not only because of his physical build/appearance, or his established acting chops, but also because we know he can do this character-type (see DIE HARD, TEARS OF THE SUN). That may be the problem though. It’s a role so closely associated with Willis (or at least universally acknowledged as his brand of action) that it would probably end up giving us the sense of “been there, done that,” which might very well kill any potential franchise right there.
Dominic Purcell
Dude isn’t a great actor necessarily, and doesn’t always have the best choices in films, but just watch any scene of “Prison Break” with him in it, and you’ll see he’s a pretty dead physical ringer for Jack Reacher. Also, even though he’s thirty-eight, there’s a certain world-weariness etched into his face and eyes that would also make him ideal for the part. Just too bad he doesn’t have the emotional range that should go along with that.
Vin Diesel
Aside from needing to resurrect his career, Diesel – like Reacher – has the ability to be gruff, but sensitive. He also has the physical look down pat. The only problems are that he’s a bit young to be playing Reacher, and as much I as enjoy the guy, I’m not sure he’s a good enough actor to pull it off. What also doesn’t help is that I feel like there’s always a constant ironic, self-aware glint in his eye, even when he’s being serious. It just never feels like he’s fully there in his roles. Also I think his voice sounds too much like rocks grinding against each other.
Jason Statham
Okay, yes, he clearly doesn’t have the bulky build for the role, but I think he’s got everything else down. In his face alone I feel I can see everything Jack Reacher is. I’m also a big fan of Statham, and think he has the potential to be one of the next great mega-action stars if people would finally come to their senses and check out his films in bigger numbers. Becoming Jack Reacher might just do that for him. I think he’d be good especially for the role because he’s a great physical actor (check out his work in THE TRANSPORTER), but he’s also an underrated dramatic actor, both of which would be ideal for portraying someone who is a physically dominating force, but also something of a lost soul.
Ray Stevenson
Personally, I think this would be my number one choice for Reacher. Stevenson has proved he can act (“Rome”), and that he can pull off a military part (THE OUTPOST). He’s got the body structure for the role, and frankly ever since I thought of him for this, I can’t help but read any Jack Reacher novel now and imagine him as the character. His face has experience just etched into it. He’s old enough, and with that his eyes perfectly reflect the world experience and the inherent sadness of someone like Reacher.
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TJ Hooker Says:
June 9th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I think “The Rock” would be the perfect choice.He is not only well build but got a dry sense of humour as well.