It doesn’t look like we’ll be getting any future Jack Reacher films with Tom Cruise in the leading role. Author Lee Child has revealed to BBCRadio (via ThePlaylist) that he’s instead going to develop a streaming series and recast the role entirely. Pointing to Tom Cruise’s lack of physicality being an issue, despite having fun with him on the shoot.
Readers of the books seemed to be shocked when the smaller Cruise was cast and Lee seems to be very aware of that.
“But ultimately the readers are right. The size of Reacher is really, really important and it’s a big component of who he is. The idea is that when Reacher walks into a room, you’re all a little nervous just for that first minute. And Cruise, for all his talent, didn’t have that physicality.”
“So what I’ve decided to do is – there won’t be any more movies with Tom Cruise. Instead, we’re going to take it to Netflix or something like that. Long form streaming television, with a completely new actor.”
“And I want all those readers who were upset about Tom Cruise to help me out – participate in choosing the right actor for the TV series. We’re rebooting and starting over and we’re going to try and find the perfect guy.”
Business Insider reaffirmed the streaming series chatter from Lee Child, but it looks like Cruise will continue to stay on as a producer.
A source close to the deal confirmed to Business Insider that the franchise is being shopped around, however, Cruise, who is also a producer on the franchise, is still involved.
This wouldn’t be terribly shocking as while Jack Reacher earned some medium success it’s sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back seemed to stumble on all fronts. A streaming series on places like Netflix or Amazon could be excellent platforms as the character seems like he could be better suited for the long form storytelling that this could allow for.
SOURCE: BBC RADIO
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