Alan Ritchson did not use a stunt double for the fight scenes… And this is what happened

In the exciting world of action series, the protagonist’s commitment to delivering authenticity in their scenes has become increasingly common. Alan Ritchson, the actor who plays Jack Reacher in the hit Prime Video series, has taken this premise so seriously that he decided to choreograph his own fight scenes, disregarding the production team’s suggestions to use a stunt double. This decision, however, had unexpected consequences.

I don’t need doubles, I do it all

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ritchson revealed that the highly anticipated fight in the final episode of the third season, in which he faces Paulie, played by the imposing Olivier Richters, left him unconscious after filming. This confrontation had been a key point of anticipation for fans since the beginning of the season, especially after Ritchson’s character suffered a heavy blow that knocked him to the ground in a previous episode.

Despite the production team’s warnings about the risks of performing the scenes without a stunt double, Ritchson was determined to maintain the authenticity of his performance, which led to an intense debate on set. Ultimately, his insistence was heard, but the result was an impact in which Ritchson collided with a table, culminating in his loss of consciousness. The actor’s dedication to his role highlights a crucial aspect of the genre: action must feel real to resonate with the audience.

This type of delivery is not uncommon in the entertainment world, where actors often face injuries in pursuit of creating a more immersive experience, and if not, just ask Tom Cruise. However, the incident involving Ritchson highlights the dangers that come with the desire for authenticity in action scenes. Fans, keenly following the evolution of the series, will undoubtedly be waiting to see how the narrative unfolds after this shocking outcome.