Lee Child: Tom Cruise 'Completely Wrong' for Jack Reacher
Author Lee Child says Tom Cruise nailed Reacher's inner traits but failed physically, citing a scene where the actor emerges from room 12.
Lee Child has said Tom Cruise was "completely and utterly wrong" to play Jack Reacher, the character from his bestselling novels. Cruise first took on the role in the 2012 film Jack Reacher.
Speaking to Collider ahead of the release of his new novel, Child said Cruise captured the character's internal characteristics well but did not work externally.
Child pointed to a specific scene to illustrate his point: a cop asks for a man who could kill someone with one blow, and Tom Cruise emerges from room 12.
The author's comments revive a long-running debate among fans about the physical mismatch between Cruise and the imposing Reacher of the books.
Quick answers
What did Lee Child say about Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher?
Child said Cruise was completely and utterly wrong for the character, though he captured Reacher's internal characteristics well.
When did Tom Cruise first play Jack Reacher?
Cruise first played Jack Reacher in the 2012 film Jack Reacher.
Why did Lee Child say Tom Cruise did not work as Reacher?
Child said Cruise did not work externally, citing a scene where a cop asks for a man who could kill someone with one blow and Cruise emerges from room 12.