I don’t think so! I hate to send more negative energy Tom’s way this week, but when I saw the stills from the upcoming Jack Reacher movie I had a visceral reaction and it wasn’t good. 
Jack Reacher (of Lee Child’s awesome series) is a 6’5″ vigilante killing machine. His size and mere look are imposing. Tom Cruise is many things, but that he ain’t. Lee Child has said this about the choice, “Reacher’s size in the books is a metaphor for an unstoppable force, which Cruise portrays in his own way.” Um, okay, but I don’t believe you.
Have you read the series? How do you feel about Tom as Reacher? If the studio wanted a big name attached they could have gone with these two perfect choices, both over 6’2″ and highly watchable…
Who do you think would be the perfect Jack Reacher?
Stacy's Books 
Never read the series, but from your description, no Cruise is not Reacher. Not watching the film now. Don’t think Cruise is all that compelling anyway.
Tom is/used to be okay and I do think he’ can be a good actor, but often seems to play the same character these days.
No, no, no!! Sorry Tom, but you are not Jack Reacher.
Obviously, the studio made the decision and Lee Child had no option but to endorse the party line. He can’t possibly be happy with Tom Cruise playing Jack Reacher. No actor comes to mind to play the part, but I will be interested to see who people come up with.
I couldn’t come up with the perfect actor either, but I still think both would be better than Tom!
I’m sure Lee is just happy the movie’s getting made, but there won’t be any more if it’s not done well enough for the fans.
Hmmmm. Tom Cruise…well, I”ll have to read the first Jack Reacher book and see what I think!
I haven’t read the series but I’m not a fan of Cruise’s, so I think it’s an odd choice.
My words exactly. I have no desire to see anything that Shortie is in.
Though, Hugh Jackman in any movie….sigh, and yum!
He is yummy, isn’t he?
UGH!!! NO WAY! 😦
I guess whoever is currently is in the news big time right now is thought to be the best choice,
My husband is the big Reacher fan around here and he was appalled at Cruise being cast. He says Reacher’s character is definitely a big guy, even if Lee Child has come out endorsing the current casting. We think that Hugh Jackman might work. Ryan Reynolds might be a little young and a little too pretty (not that I think that’s a bad thing!).
You’re right about Ryan being too young. I was just trying to think of some taller buff guys that could be physically imposing. I couldn’t come up with the perfect actor, but Hugh might be able to pull it off.
I watched the movie trailer and was appalled. Even his voice is wrong! And he just looks so LITTLE!!! LOL. How about Alexander Skarsgård? (he plays Eric on True Blood)
I don’t watch True Blood, but now I’ll have to go find a photo!
I’ll admit it; I just have a problem with Tom Cruise in any role. I’m sure he’ll do a great job – he’s never done anything without the fullest commitment to it but something about him is just…wrong. And yes, he’s short!
There is something off about him that wasn’t there in his youth. Scientology?
Thank you! I’ve been saying it ever since it first was announced that Tom Cruise would play Jack Reacher.
In my eyes, Jack Reacher on screen should fit the bill of TDH (tall, dark & handsome – ruggedly handsome!) and be tough as hell. He should be someone whom I would trust to keep me save.
Tom Cruise on the other hand? I have faith in my abilities that with some luck I could hand him his butt. And I’m a 5’4.5” to 5’5” girl who whines a little bit when her nail polish chips, but still likes martial arts *blush* However, I have 0 skills where any weapons are concerned.
So yes, Tom Cruise will *neverever* be Jack Reacher. He can play the role cause he probably spent big bucks on it, but he won’t portray him accurately. This is just not happening.
Heehee. I have no doubt that you could probably take on Tom!! And I hope you get it on YouTube for all to see 😉
So much about Reacher is physical that I just don’t see how it can work. I don’t see how Tom can be true to the character. I know I’ll probably see it (I did watch Katherine Heigl as Stephanie Plum after all) but I expect it to be bad.
I would also be fairly confident – if it wasn’t for his bodyguards 😉 But should I ever catch him without them, I promise I’ll tape it & put it up on Youtube.
I agree, the description of Jack Reacher distinctly emphasizes the physical aspects. TC just doesn’t work. I saw someone mentioned Shemar Moore. He would work in my eyes, just like Hugh Jackman (though I see him as Wolverine).
I haven’t read the books but from your description this is a big no no casting. Tom Cruise plays Tom Cruise in his movies these days. But who knows if things go bad with his upcoming divorce this movie may be a flop no matter how good or bad the acting is.
And anyway I would take Hugh and Ryan as a perve fest any day (and acting ability).
Hugh and Ryan are so easy to watch, aren’t they?
Well now, I’ve never read the series. Sounds more like a young Harrison Ford type to me. Since I can’t think of anyone like that out there now, I nominate Shemar Moore. He seems pretty tall, devastatingly handsome and pulls off the brains & braun role quite nicely on Criminal Minds. Mmmmmmmm
Shemar Moore, he is a good nominee. Not who I picture as Reacher but then no one is. Reacher does have a way with the ladies and I’m guessing Shemar does too!
if a guy walks into a crowded bar, and can’t see above the bar without lifts in his shoes, he cannot play Jack Reacher!!!! any one of the following actors would have been a better choice: Hugh Jackman or Jim Caviezel – both can intimidate without even trying. Tom Cruise is definitely not a good choice!! Way too pretty and too short. Lee Child sold out to Hollywood
LOL!! I love it! I hadn’t thought of Jim. He’d have to beef up a bit, just a little, and I could see it. I’m feeling the same way about Lee right now.
Oh no, Tom Cruise is not Jack Reacher… no way, no how. I’m not going to watch that and ruin my image of Reacher! He wasn’t Lestat de Lioncourt either. Phfffft. I’m not a Tom Cruise fan, but I don’t mind watching him when he plays the right characters, like the hitman in Collateral.
I almost cried when I saw that on the t.v.!!!!! Why? especially when there are so many better actors out there????!!!!!!!!
It’s pretty much a clean sweep around here. Tom is not Reacher – even if he’s wearing lifts (although that might help).
Yeah … Tom Cruise tends to do better than I expect in many things but he just doesn’t have the look and body type to be Jack Reacher. It is like they are just ignoring the essence of the character!
That’s what I thought 🙂 I know these authors want their books on the big screen, but I can’t think Lee really thinks Cruise is Reacher.
(I don’t know who Jack Reacher is) but thank you for making my lunch break awesome!!! 🙂
no problem!
Jack Reacher, – 6ft 5″ (192cm), 250 lbs 117kg / Tom Cruise – 5ft 7″ (170cm), 119lbs (77kg) ’nuff said!
How could they portray a 6’5 ex military cop with a 5’7 choir boy. I can’t watch the movie now and I so wanted to.
Just saw the trailer at the movies tonight and I want to like him as Reacher and will try to keep an open mind. (I’m sure tomorrow I’ll be back to complaining about it!)
They have officially RUINED the entire Reacher movies. I have read all the books and can’t stomach the thought of that Tiny little man playing the part of Reacher. It’s ridiculous that they thought they could pass Tom off as Reacher. I am thoroughly disappointes and disgusted, Jack Reacher is a through and through Badass and Tom Cruise is a tiny puling excuse. BOO!!