Alan Ritchson's Stunt Demands Almost Led to Coordinator's Resignation on "Reacher"
The commitment to authentic action sequences in "Reacher" came at a cost. Alan Ritchson, the show's star, pushed the boundaries of realism during the first season to such an extent that the stunt coordinator almost resigned due to safety concerns.
Ritchson's Insistence on Performing High-Risk Stunts
Ritchson's desire to personally perform risky stunts jeopardized the safety of the set and the stability of the stunt team. He rejected the use of doubles, believing that only by performing the stunts himself could he achieve the naturalness and impact he sought for the series.
"I was like, 'I’m gonna do the goddamn stunt.' It was frenetic behavior," Ritchson explained to Men’s Fitness, detailing his commitment to realism.
This determination created friction with the stunt coordinator, whose role is to assess risks and protect the safety of the actors during dangerous sequences. The coordinator felt that Ritchson's demands were unreasonable and put the production at risk, leading him to temporarily leave the project.
The Conflict Between Realism and Safety
The stunt coordinator's temporary departure highlighted the tension between the pursuit of realism and the need for safety on set. The coordinator oversees the design and execution of stunts, balancing spectacle with safety, especially in productions where the pressure to deliver impactful results can cloud judgment.
After a brief period, the coordinator returned, but the incident left a lasting impact on the team's dynamics. The return was facilitated by dialogue and a redefinition of the boundaries between Ritchson's desire for authenticity and professional safety protocols.
Ritchson's Discontent with "Reacher" Season Two
Alan Ritchson continued to demand greater realism and quality in subsequent seasons. He criticized the second season of "Reacher" for its lack of realism and the inadequate tools used in the action scenes.
He expressed his dissatisfaction in an interview with Men's Fitness: “I wasn’t thrilled with a lot of the action scenes. I was really bummed out how some of those fights went down. We weren’t using the right tools. They weren’t edited well.”
Looking Ahead: Season Four and New Challenges
The fourth season of "Reacher" began filming on June 17, 2025, in Philadelphia. Ritchson has once again expressed his intention to perform the most demanding sequences alongside the stunt team. The production has adopted an even more rigorous approach to physical preparation and behind-the-scenes coordination.
This commitment to authenticity has transformed "Reacher"—based on the novels of Lee Child—into a streaming success. The series stands out due to Ritchson's performance, extreme preparation, and spectacular combat sequences.
The Ongoing Balance of Art and Safety
As the fourth season progresses, Ritchson is prepared to face unprecedented physical challenges, prioritizing intensity and realism in each episode. The experience underscores the importance of balancing art and safety to ensure both the series' success and the well-being of the team.
Ultimately, the pursuit of authenticity must be tempered with a commitment to safety, a principle that remains central to the production of "Reacher."