Alan Ritchson, the star of Amazon Prime Video's action series 'Reacher,' has sparked discussions about his faith and career, expressing frustration over how fictional roles impact real-life perceptions.
Ritchson, who identifies as a devout Christian, shared with GQ magazine his experiences of being criticized by some within his faith community for his on-screen actions, especially for scenes involving content they deem inappropriate. He reflected, "People have this weird relationship with fictional characters, and sort of equate them to the real human being. I don’t have problem, making the distinction. I get criticized a lot by Christians who are like, ‘How dare you have an unmarried sex scene on TV and then talk about Jesus?’" He added, somewhat humorously, "I’m sorry—I doubt that's going to be part of the conversation when I’m standing at the pearly gates!"
Last year, Ritchson elaborated on his faith, stating, "I’m a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do." He also had strong criticism for the current state of the church, remarking, "The most vitriolic tribe is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do." He particularly pointed to moral inconsistencies he perceives within the Christian community, mentioning political figures like Donald Trump as being treated favorably by some Christians, which he finds baffling.
On the subject of political figures like Trump, Ritchson voiced his disbelief, saying, "Trump is a rapist and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to treat him like he’s their poster child and it’s unreal." He called attention to issues within the church, proclaiming, "I can’t for one second support the Catholic Church" due to the mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against clergy members, calling these actions "repulsive." Ritchson's candidness didn't stop there; he recounted his relationship with former classmate Matt Gaetz, highlighting how he feels about the current political climate, stating, "That motherfucker. We are adversaries."
While discussing his own rise to fame, Ritchson noted the challenges of the industry, particularly those tied to balancing his beliefs with his work. Still, he remains focused on his career, especially with the success of 'Reacher' Season 3. Released to high praise, the series has maintained high viewership ratings, currently holding a near-perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.
'Reacher' follows Jack Reacher, portrayed by Ritchson, as he navigates through life as a drifter facing various challenges. The series, adapted from Lee Child’s best-selling novels, has attracted attention due to its thrilling action and storytelling. Ritchson's performance has been pivotal to its success, which has generated over $279 million for Prime Video.
Ritchson opened up to Entertainment Weekly about the demanding work involved, recalling particularly challenging shoots, including one scene where he had to escape through tricky waters: "It was tough. That water work was pretty tricky, and stripping down and crawling across those cold, wet rocks naked was not the funnest for me and for just about anybody watching—but we did it because we love the show." His rigorous schedule reflects his commitment to delivering the best for his audience.
Season 3 has teamed Ritchson with directors Sam Hill and Gary Fleder, alongside co-stars Maria Sten, Sonya Cassidy, Johnny Berchtold, and several others, creating a strong ensemble cast. With episodes dropping weekly, the excitement around the show continues to build, and viewers are eagerly anticipating how the season will play out.
Reflecting on his personal and professional life, Ritchson exemplifies the balance many actors strive for: staying true to one's beliefs and values amid the demands of the entertainment world. His willingness to voice his frustrations about the troubling aspects of his faith community, alongside his dedication to portraying complex characters on screen, reveals the depth of the actor's character.
'Reacher' Season 3 is set to keep audiences engaged as it streams on Prime Video, with Ritchson's presence ensuring both tension and charisma remain ever at the forefront.