"He's too old for this stuff”—When Lee Child called Tom Cruise old enough to play Jack Reacher

Lee Child, the author of Jack Reacher novels did not hold back in expressing his opinion about Tom Cruise's suitability for Jack Reacher. In an interview with The Times of London in 2019, Lee expressed that Cruise is old enough to play Jack Reacher, the protagonist of his novels.

Child urged Cruise to embrace a new phase in his career, suggesting that Tom Cruise explore character roles. He advised Cruise to move on from action films. Child believes this shift could extend Cruise’s career by 20 years.

“It sounds extremely patronizing, but I think it’s good for him. He’s too old for this stuff. He’s 57, he needs to move on, transition to being a character actor. He could get another 20 years out of it," Lee Child said.

---

According to Lee Child, Tom Cruise's physical stature wasn't fit for the Jack Reacher role

Jack Reacher is a fictional character created by author Lee Child. He is a former military police officer who becomes a drifter and vigilante. Reacher travels across the United States, carrying no possessions and living off his wits. He is known for his towering height (6’5”), muscular build, and sharp intellect.

Therefore, keeping in mind the character of Jack Reacher, the author also addressed fan criticism about Tom Cruise’s physical stature. “On a good day, he’s 5’8”,” Child said, contrasting it with the imposing Jack Reacher from the novels, who is described as 6’5” and brawny.

This glaring difference, according to Child, played a significant role in the decision to end the Cruise-led films and shift to a TV adaptation featuring a different actor.

Despite his critique, Child praised Cruise’s professionalism and personality. “He’s a terrific guy, very considerate, good fun,” Child said, showing his admiration for Cruise as a person, even while acknowledging that action-packed roles may no longer suit him.

---

What's Tom Cruise's upcoming movie?

Tom Cruise’s next movie which is still untitled is set to release on October 2, 2026. The film has already generated excitement due to its unique premise and stellar cast. The film is notably directed by Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu.

As per various reports, in the movie, Cruise plays the lead role of the world’s most powerful man, tasked with proving he is humanity's savior before a catastrophic disaster he caused threatens to destroy everything. The high-stakes storyline promises a mix of drama, action, and intense character-driven moments.

The movie also stars John Goodman, Jesse Plemmons, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, and Riz Ahmed, further boosting its appeal. Notably, this project is Cruise's next big move following Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, set to release on May 23, 2025, and Broadsword, a World War II epic arriving in July 2025.

With Broadsword, Cruise will once again collaborate with Christopher McQuarrie, showcasing his versatility in navigating different genres.

Cruise’s partnership with Iñárritu is particularly noteworthy. Iñárritu, known for masterpieces like Birdman and The Revenant, brings a distinct style of storytelling. This pairing marks an exciting departure for Cruise, who has long dominated the action genre.