Summary
Jack Reacher: Never Go Backis the second movie in Tom Cruise’s popular action franchise, detailing the events of Lee Child’s eighteenth Jack Reacher novel of the same name. After the relative commercial success of the original film, this action sequel ups the stakes by introducing a whole new cast of characters alongside some returning faces to keep audiences interested and make things even more intriguing than they already were.Never Go Backmakes several changes from the book, but the story’s heart remains the same: Reacher is forced to prove the innocence of an accused army major.
Never Go Backisn’t consideredthe best Jack Reacher bookand the film adaptation received mixed reviews, with critics praisingCruise’s irresistible action personaand the great action choreography, yet reprimanding the derivative story. Following this, the series was never picked up for a third movie, andNever Go Backended up being the Hollywood superstar’s final outing as the character. The series was later adapted into a television series starring Alan Ritchson in the lead role, makingNever Go Backthe last big-screen outing for manyJack Reachercharacters.
Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher Was Way More Book Accurate Than You Realized
Despite fan objections, Jack Reacher director Christopher McQuarrie just let everyone know how close to the character Tom Cruise actually got.
Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher
Date of Birth: July 28, 2025
Actor: Tom Cruise is a hugely popular actor, born in Syracuse, New York in 1963.He made his first on-screen appearance in 1981’sEndless Love,but it wasn’t until the beloved comedyRisky Businesstwo years later that he truly broke out. Since then, Cruise’s career has taken a unique trajectory, starting out in all-out comedies, later moving to more profound, rich dramas, and ending up as one of Hollywood’s biggest action superstars.
Tropic Thunder
Les Grossman
Character:Jack Reacher is a retired U.S. army major whose military tactics have helped him develop a reputation as a problem-solver, helping people out as he travels across America. After leaving the army and using these talents, Reacher caught the attention of local and federal authorities, often working alongside them to help complete his mission. His dangerous adventures and high-octane lifestyle establishJack Reacher as an American James Bondfigure.
Tom Cruise was an unpopular choice to play Jack Reacher as Reacher is almost one foot taller than Cruise in the books.
Danika Yarosch as Samantha
Date of Birth: August 21, 2025
Actor:Danika Yarosch is an American actress from Morristown, New Jersey, who appears in a crucial role inJack Reacher: Never Go Back. Before starring in this project, shemade her on-screen debut at 5 years oldinThe Stepford Wives. An acting hiatus followed after her childhood breakthrough, and Yarosch later became known for her various horror movie performances.
Greenhouse Academy
Brooke Osmond
Character: Samantha is a major character inJack Reacher: Never Go Back, immediatelythrowing Reacher’s world upside downwhen evidence comes to light that she may be his long-lost daughter. Reacher spends much of the movie investigating her backstory and developing a close bond with her. She brings out an important side of Reacher that helped theJack Reachermovies better understand Lee Child’s character.
Cobie Smulders as Major Susan Turner
Date of Birth: 3 April, 1982
Actor:Cobie Smulders was born in Vancouver City, Canada, and first made a name for herself in the beloved sitcomHow I Met Your Mother.Though it wasn’t her first role, this was the project that kickstarted her career and boosted her career to an international stage. Since then, she’s appeared in multiple high-profile movies, even making a name for herself as Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Long Weekend
Ellen
Character:Major Susan Turner is a friend of Reacher’s who’s standing trial for treason against the state. Her character is the most important part of the story, sparking Reacher’s investigation into her alleged crimes and stumbling into the conspiracy that he fights to take down.What happens to Reacher afterNever Go Backhinges on Turner’s character and the secrets that she keeps.
Aldis Hodge as Captain Espin
Date of Birth: 20 September, 1986
Actor:Aldis Hodge is an American actor from Onslow County, North Carolina, who first appeared in the Bruce Willis action flickDie Hard With A Vengeance. Although it was only a minor role, this project was a stepping stone for Hodge to continue his action movie career, before expanding his horizons and playing several famous figures on-screen.
The Invisible Man
James Lenier
Character:Espin is a friend of Susan Turner’s who helps Jack Reacher in his quest to clear her name. He’s an invaluable source of information for the hero, and his loyalty to Turner makes him one of the film’s most likable figures. Espin is one of the characters who ultimately finds the evidence that will clear Turner’s name.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Supporting Cast & Characters
Jessica Stroup as Lieutenant Sullivan: Stroup is an actress from South Carolina most recognizable as Joy Meachum inIron Fist. She also appeared as Erin Silver on the long-running90210.
Holt McCallany as Colonel Sam Morgan: NYC’s McCallany is most famous for playing FBI Special Agent Bill Tench on Netflix’s belovedMindhuntershow. Since then, he’s appeared inThe Iron Claw,Wrath of Man,andNightmare Alley.
Robert Knepper as James Harkness:Knepper broke out in TV’sPrison Breakas the popular villain T-Bag. From there, he appeared inHeroes,iZombie, andTwin Peaks.
Patrick Heusinger as The Hunter:After rising to prominence inGossip Girl, Heusinger has also featured in hit shows such asGirlfriends' Guide To DivorceandCasual. BeyondJack Reacher: Never Go Back, Heusinger’s movie credits includeBlack SwanandA Beautiful Now.
