If you’re going to cast someone who’s described in a series of novels as being 6’5 and 250 pounds, most people’s first thought wouldn’t be the comparatively diminutive frame of Tom Cruise, but nevertheless he is in negotiations to star in One Shot, an adaptation of the Jack Reacher novel series by Lee Child.
The series, which spans over 15 novels, centres on the Jack Reacher character (who is indeed supposed to very tall and big), a former military police officer who becomes a drifter. One Shot is the ninth novel in this series, and focuses on a sniper who is accused of murder, and seeks out Jack Reacher to help clear his name.
As many may be wondering what the creator thought about this casting decision, Deadline quotes author Lee Child as saying, “Reacher’s size in the books is a metaphor for an unstoppable force, which Cruise portrays in his own way.” Which probably means, ‘I’ve got lots and lots of money riding on them making this film, so I’d better not say what I really think.’
The project was first announced last July, when Christopher McQuarrie was hired by Paramount to adapt the novel. McQuarrie will also now direct One Shot as well, making it the first film The Usual Suspects writer has helmed since 2000’s The Way Of The Gun. McQuarrie and Cruise previously worked together on the 2008 World War II drama Valkyrie.
Cruise’s deal is not set in stone yet, but the current plan is to get him to sign quickly so they can shoot this year, before Tom moves on to Joseph Kosinski’s Oblivion in January.