tough-as-nails wanderer Reacher and the lead of Netflix’s “War Machine,” there was an occasion when Alan Ritchson nearly achieved superhero status in one of the most significant film franchises ever created. Ritchson, who has now portrayed ex-military police officer Jack Reacher for three seasons in the successful Prime Video series, disclosed to Men’s Health in an interview that he came close to being selected as the MCU’s Thor, only to have his lightning taken away by Chris Hemsworth.
Reflecting on the missed job opportunity, Ritchson has candidly acknowledged that the lost role was solely his responsibility. “I didn’t take it with the seriousness it deserved. I thought, ‘They’ll give me the role if I resemble the character; no one really cares about the acting.'” The feedback he received confirmed his regret, being informed post-audition that he hadn’t demonstrated “the artistry” Marvel was seeking.
To have pursued the heroic role with such a nonchalant demeanor might astonish some dedicated Ritchson supporters, considering his career prior to turning henchman into pulp in “Reacher.” Before Jason Momoa embraced the title of king of the oceans, Ritchson played Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, in the Superman prequel series “Smallville.” Fast forward to 2018, and he donned another crime-fighting outfit, this time as Hank Hall, also known as Hawk, in “Titans.” Nonetheless, there’s one part that DC enthusiasts were eager to see him in, but it appears the leader of that universe may have other intentions.