While both the Prime Video series Reacher and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) share certain similarities, significant differences set them apart. Currently in its third season, Reacher has already secured a fourth season, alongside a developing spin-off centered on the character Neagley, indicating a promising future for the franchise.
In a revealing conversation with Owen Danoff from ScreenRant, Olivier Richters, who plays Paulie, discussed his insights on working in both Reacher and the MCU. Having appeared in Black Widow (2021), Richters provided a unique comparison of the demands and styles prevalent in both franchises. He highlighted the notable contrast in acting techniques, noting that while Marvel typically encourages its actors to embrace an exaggerated style, Reacher favors a more nuanced approach.
“Sometimes throwing the lines away. I’ve been on Marvel, and that’s maybe a little bit more acting in an overexaggerated way because you can. Reacher is more like you and me are speaking now. So, sometimes he felt like, ‘No, let’s say that a bit more like it’s [throwaway],’ or we changed some words.
But also other simple stuff. Like, at some point, a body is falling out of a car in front of me, and my line is very simple–’What the f***?’ And you can think, ‘Well, what’s going to go wrong with that?’ But I said it, and Alan came up to me and explained that if you say that, you should say it to yourself–you don’t say that out loud. Those small things just make the line, even if it’s three words. It’s so important, the small stuff.
Implications of the Marvel Comparison for Reacher
Significance for the MCU
The success of the MCU can largely be attributed to its vibrant and larger-than-life character portrayals. This franchise often utilizes humorous one-liners and comedic elements to lighten serious moments, sometimes diminishing emotional stakes. Films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier employ a more serious tone, while others, such as the Deadpool series, thrive on heightened performances, intentionally underplaying dramatic tension for a brisk and engaging narrative.
Reacher, derived from Lee Child’s compelling book series, takes a markedly different creative direction. The show emphasizes realism and stakes, prioritizing intense dramatic scenes over continuous comic relief. Its heartfelt humor appears to flow organically from character interactions rather than being engineered for audience laughter. Jack Reacher (played by Alan Ritchson) embodies a formidable fighter, yet devoid of the superpowers that characterize many Marvel heroes, firmly rooting the narrative in a believable context.
Examining Reacher’s Unique Approach Compared to Marvel
Are They Both Over-the-Top?
Image via Prime Video
Although Reacher exhibits a serious tone, it still embraces elements of the over-the-top characteristics found within the MCU. Both series highlight nearly invincible protagonists whose relentless quest to vanquish foes contributes to their appeal. After Marvel’s decade-long reign in the industry, it is refreshing to witness a show like Reacher, which takes a more earnest approach to its narrative. Jack Reacher may possess a sense of humor, but this does not detract from the gravity of the story; instead, his wit is reserved for interactions with companions rather than directed at the audience, thereby crafting a more realistic representation that aligns perfectly with the Reacher universe.