Reacher’s Alan Ritchson Talks How Being Bipolar Helps His Craft
You may not have heard of Reacher’s Alan Ritchson, yet. But millions of Netflix fans have found their newest superhero. But this Marvel-like hero, does not have super-powers, or at least we don’t think so. Reacher at 6-3, is just a good guy loner. He’s a BAD MO FO, who is as strong as they come and more dangerous than the scariest of bad guys. If you mess with his friends or old Army buddies, it’s already too late. Reacher is standing behind you right now, and it’s lights out.
Reacher: The Book
Wikipedia writes:
The book series chronicles the adventures of Jack Reacher, former Major in the United States Army Military Police Corps, now drifter, roaming the United States taking odd jobs and investigating suspicious and frequently dangerous situations, some of which are of a personal nature. The Reacher series has maintained a schedule of one book per year, except for 2010, when two installments were published.
The author is Lee Child, who created a character so interesting, it was turned into a 2012 movie starring Tom Cruise. What followed was a 2016 season of TV episodes that became SO popular, Netflix rolled out Season Two this month, and is now working on a season three, all based on the books. But be WARNED, true Reacher fans will tell you that the Cruise movie doesn’t nearly capture the character the way the TV series does, keeping it close to the books.
Reacher’s Alan Ritchson Talks About His Character
When I think of the character, a first comparison that I can make is to Sly Stallone’s Rambo. A former skilled military expert that now lives his life righting wrongs.
But, no slam to Sly, Ritchson is simply a better actor. Add to that, the character is smarter than Rambo. With Alan you get more from his few lines, than you did with Sly. Reacher seems like a buddy you want to hang with. While we liked Rambo, having a beer with him alone is not your first thought.
What’s fascinating about Reacher’s character, is his many attributes. First, let’s look at his size. At 6-3, he’s a Super-hero presence, with giant Hulk like muscles and strength, but he’s human. Instead of a menacing presence like Rambo, he’s a nice guy, until you piss him off. Ritchson’s TV version has less lines than most lead characters in a hit series. Unlike Sly Stallone’s Rambo, Ritchson’s heart comes through his tough guy persona, in a more authentic manner than Stallone’s over-the-top tough guy. As mentioned above, Reacher is highly intelligent. Without spoiling it, the opening scene of Season Two, sizes up Reacher in five minutes, to set you up for the ride of your life.
Alan Ritchson Talk About Being Bipolar
In a recent chat with Michael Rosenbaum, Alan shares what it’s like about being bipolar, and how it actually came in handy with his acting.
Reacher Season One and Two is on Netflix right now. But be warned, Reacher’s Alan Ritchson may become a new favorite Superhero, to your wife.
