One Shot is a film about Lee Childs 9th Jack Reacher book and is set to be released late 2012 early 2013, the book is about an expert sniper who kills 5 random people, the sniper is quickly found but refuses to talk to police only saying “get me Reacher”.
Reacher turns up in the city but after hearing what the gunman has to say, has his doubts about the shootings and begins his own investigation even though he hates the gunman.
Reacher is an ex-military policeman having graduated from WestPoint and then worked for a specialist unit dealing in the toughest crimes, serving 13 years leaving with the rank of Major.
He leaves the military and just tours the country walking, hitchhiking or by bus, always paying by cash.
Changing clothes when needed at cheap second-hand stores, he helps out people whom he feels need it and often wins because of his size. Reacher is 6’5 tall and well over 220 pounds of pure muscle, with a 50 inch chest, a very imposing individual to say the least, a man of little words but gets the job done.
When he checks into hotels or motels he uses names of ex-presidents instead of his own, and has a unique ability of being able to know the time without having to look at a watch or clock.
He is a quiet man who mainly watches the world around him looking for any clues, but is capable of extreme violence when needed, an expert at small arms and weaponry and hand to hand combat. His extreme size aids him against enemies killing them by breaking necks or multiple blows, he once he confronts a 7 foot 400 pound maniac but picks him up easily, dropping him to the ground on his head.
As well as the hand to hand combat, Reacher is an accomplished marksman with all weapons.
The film has all the markings of being great, but then who do they cast as Reacher! Tom Cruise 5’7 tall and around the 180 pound mark, now Tom is a great actor, The last Samurai was a great film and the Mission Impossible films show he can fight and take on enemies larger than him, but can he make an imposing figure who you would cross the street when seen or could break bones with one hand.
A more imposing figure would have been a better choice and I have seen names scattered around as to who could play Reacher, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnston after his role in Faster and Fast Five would have been an ideal candidate who looks the part without the hair of course, His role in Faster as the quiet but determined killer would suit the role of Reacher and he is the right size.
Liam Neeson another candidate after his role in Taken, Kevin Durand who is 6’6, Chris Hemsworth could fit the bill at 6’4 all great actors that fit the size and authority of Reacher.
You cannot say the studio could not have foud an actor that actually looked like more of an imposing figure for Reacher and it has fans of the Reacher franchise up in arms, vowing to boycott the movie and numerous sites having petitions against Tom him playing the role along with Facebook petitions.
Will it affect the outcome and will Tom stand down, I personally very much doubt it but you never now.
