After eight years of its theatrical release, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back This book has found a new lease of life in the streaming world by soaring to the top of the charts. Its recent renewed popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Lee Child's books and the power of stardom. Tom CruiseEven in films that don't get the most positive reception when they're first released. The Jack Reacher films starring Cruise were criticized for casting an actor who doesn't look like Reacher in the lead role, but the success of Prime Video The caller The series, in which the more subtle Alan Ritchson played the role, renewed interest in film versions.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back The film topped the list of most-watched movies online, with 697 million minutes watched across Netflix and Paramount+ from July 29 to August 4. With these numbers, the film outperformed three major films: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes With 560 million minutes on Hulu, Trolls unite together With 506 million minutes, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire With 476 million minutes, both are available on Netflix. Additionally, according to Nielsen, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back It ranked 10th in the public broadcast ratings.
Directed by Edward Zwick, the film is based on the 18th book in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child and follows the title character who goes on the run with Major Susan Turner to clear her name after being accused of espionage. The duo uncovers a darker conspiracy that threatens the world in the process. Cruise's Reacher is paired with Cobie Smulders, Aldis Hodge, and Danika Yarosh. Despite being full of action and suspense, the sequel fell short of expectations and was criticized for its plot inconsistencies. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back The film grossed $162 million at the worldwide box office.
What really went wrong with the Action series?
While Jack Reacher The films successfully capitalized on Lee Child's popular thriller novels and were solid entertainment, with the main detriment being the casting of Tom Cruise. In the novels, Reacher is described as a large, 6-foot-5-inch figure with a gruff demeanor and a somber personality, a far cry from Cruise's portrayal. The casting disappointed some loyal fans, but critics were quick to point out that Cruise found “the essence of Reacher in his eyes” and ultimately made Lee Child proud.
Despite the casting conspiracy, there was always the possibility of additional films in the franchise. However, the reboot of the franchise on Prime Video, with Alan Ritchson in the lead role, seems to have quashed any chance of Cruise returning for a third film — as if that would ever happen. The series finally gave fans an actor who closely matches the description of Jack Reacher from the books. Interestingly, however, Ritchson himself spoke highly of Cruise in an interview with CBR. When asked if he was tired of being compared to Cruise, he replied:
“Never. Am I being compared to the most famous actor of all time? The latest movie star? I will never get tired of being compared to someone of his stature.”
Jack Reacher is a popular character, and this recent interest in Tom Cruise movies can be attributed to his enduring appeal. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back After thrusting itself into the public eye and dominating the streaming charts, perhaps it's finally time to give the big screen franchise another chance.
