Nordling here.
A few weeks ago, we reported that Tom Cruise was in talks to play Lee Child's Reacher character in an adaptation ONE SHOT. Now it looks as if he's been confirmed in the part for the film, to be directed by Christopher McQuarrie.
Tom Cruise in no way matches the physical type of Jack Reacher from the books, so I expect a huge outcry from fans will be starting shortly, if not already. Physically, he's absolutely nowhere close to looking like Reacher, and for many people that will be enough for them to write this project off. But McQuarrie as director isn't something I can lightly turn aside - I think WAY OF THE GUN is a terrific film in its own right and McQuarrie is a good choice for directing this one.
As far as Tom Cruise goes, I think he has presence, but maybe not the kind of presence required to play Jack Reacher, and he's certainly not tall enough. I'm not trying to be mean, I'm just stating a fact. But actingwise, I think Cruise could do well in the part. It will take some adjustment, to say the least, for fans to accept Cruise as Reacher. I think he can bring the intensity in his performance, but if McQuarrie is to set fans' minds at ease about this film he'll have to establish Cruise right away as a guy not to be messed with. The story of ONE SHOT's a good one, and I hope Cruise and McQuarrie pull it off.
Nordling, out.
