Alan Ritchson Reveals He Was Accidentally Punched by 7-Foot Bodybuilder Olivier Richters on 'Reacher' Set
Alan Ritchson, the star of "Reacher", shared that he was accidentally punched by Olivier Richters, the towering 7-foot-2 bodybuilder, while filming a fight scene for season three of the Amazon Prime series.
A Fight Scene That Got Too Real
In the upcoming season, Jack Reacher (Ritchson) infiltrates a criminal organization, where he encounters Paulie (Richters), a henchman who immediately becomes suspicious of him. The character’s incredible strength and size present a rare challenge for Reacher, who is usually the dominant force in fights.
At 6 feet 3 inches tall, Ritchson is no small man himself, but he noted how Richters' imposing size made him feel tiny on set. Even Lee Child, the author of the "Jack Reacher" book series, was reportedly stunned by how massive Richters looked compared to Ritchson.
Olivier Richters’ Dedication to the Role
Despite the accidental hit, Ritchson had nothing but praise for his new co-star’s dedication to the role. Richters spent four months training before stepping onto the set to fully prepare for his role in the "Reacher" universe.
"He's pretty tough. He's a monster, man, and he worked really hard to come in and be ready for the 'Reacher' world. Hopefully, it shows."
Season three is based on Lee Child's seventh Jack Reacher novel, "Persuader" (2003). In the book, Reacher faces a seemingly unbeatable opponent, making fans question whether he can survive the brutal battle. Ritchson is confident that the adaptation will deliver the same high-stakes tension.
Three Weeks to Perfect One Fight Scene
The action and stunts have always been a major highlight of "Reacher," and the third season is no exception. Ritchson revealed that some fight scenes took weeks to perfect, emphasizing the level of care and effort put into making them look realistic.
"Filming those kinds of fights, the amount of time we spent invested in that—three weeks for one fight in particular—hopefully, we give TV audiences the same kind of feeling."
What to Expect in Season 3
With season three of "Reacher" premiering this Thursday on Prime Video, fans can expect even more intense action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and high-stakes storytelling.
Ritchson believes that audiences will see a side of Reacher they’ve never seen before, particularly as he takes on Paulie in what might be one of his toughest fights yet.
If Richters’ accidental punch is any indication, this season is shaping up to be the most brutal and action-packed yet.