Alan Ritchson’s original audition for Reacher saw him channeling Waterworld

Luckily, using Waterworld hasn’t diminished his chances of becoming Jack Reacher. Eight months after the first audition, a different script and casting director meant another chance to impress. Alan Ritchson revealed that the casting director spotted something in that first audition and wanted him back for the next round. Ritchson prepared — not by watching Costner’s film — but by going through Child’s long-running book series.

He also had to audition during the pandemic, which meant using Zoom to impress the creative team. Ritchson provided executives with some interesting statistics. “There was a lot like, ‘Pull out a tape measure and photograph yourself barefoot and in your underwear,'” he explained. Still, the actor knew those making the decision were just as nervous as he was about getting it right. “I [had] To reassure her, I told the truth about what I would contribute [and] what I had to offer.”

While the process was far from easy, Ritchson helped focus the author’s vision for the character, adapting it to the desires of the readers and the author himself. Child has openly praised the actor’s work in the role. “If you loved ‘Reacher,’ Alan nails it and he just keeps getting better,” Child told the Toronto Sun.