In a recent interview, actor Alan Ritchson shared an unexpected moment from the set of the upcoming third season of "Reacher," where he found himself on the receiving end of an accidental punch from his towering co-star, Olivier Richters. The incident occurred during the filming of a fight scene between their characters, Jack Reacher and Paulie. Ritchson expressed admiration for Richters' dedication to the role, highlighting the physical intensity of their scenes together. Despite the mishap, Ritchson remains confident that fans will be thrilled by the new season's action-packed sequences, which promise to deliver unprecedented excitement.
Ritchson and Richters were preparing for a pivotal encounter in the series, where Reacher infiltrates a criminal organization and faces off against Paulie, a suspicious henchman. With Richters standing at an imposing 7 feet 2 inches, he presents a formidable challenge for Ritchson's character, who is accustomed to being the stronger fighter. Ritchson recounted the moment when the fight scene took an unforeseen turn: “One time, I got hit accidentally, and it made me realize how tough this guy really is.” This experience only added to the authenticity of the performance, as both actors worked diligently to bring their characters to life.
The preparation for these intense scenes was no small feat. Richters spent four months training rigorously before joining the cast on set, ensuring he could embody the role of Paulie convincingly. Ritchson praised Richters' commitment, noting that his efforts have paid off in the final product. The actor also mentioned the extensive time invested in choreographing the fights, with one particular sequence taking three weeks to perfect. This level of detail aims to provide viewers with an exhilarating viewing experience.
The third season of "Reacher" draws inspiration from Lee Child's seventh novel, "Persuader," released in 2003. Fans of the book series can expect a thrilling adaptation, with Ritchson hinting at a climactic showdown between Reacher and Paulie. He emphasized that the adaptation captures the essence of the original story while adding new dimensions through its visual storytelling. Ritchson concluded by expressing his excitement about the new season, stating that it offers something unique and memorable for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.