Overview of Alan Ritchson’s Stunt Experience in Reacher Season 3
- Alan Ritchson opted to perform a perilous stunt for Reacher Season 3 despite being cautioned against it.
- Insisting on the intense scene, Ritchson ultimately convinced the production team to let him proceed.
- After being knocked unconscious for over a day, Ritchson learned a staggering lesson about safety on set.
Alan Ritchson recently opened up about a significant lesson he learned during the filming of Reacher Season 3. Despite receiving multiple warnings regarding a risky stunt, he insisted on carrying it out, which ended with him being unconscious for over a day.
Reacher, a popular crime drama available on Amazon Prime Video, is adapted from Lee Child’s acclaimed “Jack Reacher”book series. The initial season, based on “Killing Floor,”debuted on February 4, 2022, to wide acclaim. Following that, Season 2, inspired by “Bad Luck and Trouble,”was released in 2024, and Season 3—based on “Persuader”—followed a year later, both garnering positive reception. Ritchson’s deep commitment to the character drove him to insist on performing an intense fight scene, despite the production team’s reservations. Ultimately, when he faced the consequences of his decision, he had to acknowledge that their warnings were justified.
The gripping finale of Reacher Season 3, titled “Unfinished Business,”features a fierce confrontation between Reacher and the daunting Paulie, a 7-foot-tall bodyguard. This brutal scene includes Ritchson’s character being relentlessly battered, illustrating the peril his character faces. Ritchson humorously noted that when he read the description of his character being “ragdolled for five minutes,”it seemed like an exciting challenge, prompting him to fight for the chance to execute the stunt himself. He stated, “I want the audience to know that I’m doing this for us.”
Despite initial resistance from the production team—who worried for his safety and suggested using a stunt double instead—Ritchson stood his ground. He recounted their warnings, saying:
“Everybody was like, ‘You’re going to get killed and we’re not going to do that because it’s going to hurt you too bad. And so we’re going to do it with a stuntman and a camera on the floor.’ And I was like, ‘No.'”
This continued insistence led to a “huge fight”between him and the team. Although he eventually got his way, he received stern admonitions, including one that cautioned, “You better not die because we said you’re going to die, and we tried to warn you.”When filming began, Ritchson experienced a startling accident—he was slammed onto a table with such force that he lost consciousness, waking up a day and a half later. During a visit from his children, Ritchson attempted to keep spirits high, despite it being one of the “worst few minutes of my life.”
Ritchson’s motivations for insisting on the stunt are understandable; the scene represented a pivotal moment in Reacher Season 3, involving a direct confrontation with the primary antagonist. He likely believed that performing the stunt would resonate well with audiences and give him a sense of pride in his commitment to authenticity. However, the multiple rejections of his request were not unwarranted, considering the evident dangers posed by the stunt.
As a father of three young sons, with his eldest only 12 years old, Ritchson may need to reassess the limits of his dedication to dangerous stunts. While passion for one’s craft is vital, it is equally important to prioritize safety. Ritchson’s near-miss serves as a warning to all performers about the inherent risks associated with strenuous physical performances. The iconic saying, “Be careful what you wish for,”resonates strongly here.
For fans eager to watch Ritchson in action, Reacher Season 3 is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Source: Entertainment Weekly