Jack Reacher: Never Go Back Cast & Character Guide

Summary Jack Reacher: Never Go Back introduces new characters and keeps audiences intrigued with action-packed sequences and a familiar storyline.

Despite mixed reviews, Tom Cruise shines in the role of Jack Reacher, concluding his time as the character in this final big-screen outing.

The film adaptation may differ from the book, but the heart of the story remains the same, with Reacher fighting to prove an army major's innocence.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back is 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 Back makes 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 Back isn’t considered the best Jack Reacher book and the film adaptation received mixed reviews, with critics praising Cruise’s irresistible action persona and the great action choreography, yet reprimanding the derivative story. Following this, the series was never picked up for a third movie, and Never Go Back ended 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, making Never Go Back the last big-screen outing for many Jack Reacher characters.

Related 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

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Active Since: 1981

Actor: Tom Cruise is a hugely popular actor, born in Syracuse, New York in 1963. He made his first on-screen appearance in 1981's Endless Love, but it wasn't until the beloved comedy Risky Business two 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.

Notable Movies & TV Shows

Project Role Top Gun Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell Magnolia Frank T.J. Mackey Eyes Wide Shut Bill Harford Mission: Impossible Ethan Hunt 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 establish Jack Reacher as an American James Bond figure.

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

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Active Since: 2004

Actor: Danika Yarosch is an American actress from Morristown, New Jersey, who appears in a crucial role in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. Before starring in this project, she made her on-screen debut at 5 years old in The Stepford Wives. An acting hiatus followed after her childhood breakthrough, and Yarosch later became known for her various horror movie performances.

Notable Movies & TV Shows

Project Role The Purge Kelen Stewart The Miracle Season Caroline Found Heroes Reborn Melina Bennet Deadly Switch Monica Greenhouse Academy Brooke Osmond

Character: Samantha is a major character in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, immediately throwing Reacher's world upside down when 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 the Jack Reacher movies better understand Lee Child's character.

Cobie Smulders as Major Susan Turner

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Active Since: 2003

Actor: Cobie Smulders was born in Vancouver City, Canada, and first made a name for herself in the beloved sitcom How 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.

Notable Movies & TV Shows

Project Role How I Met Your Mother Robin Scherbatsky The Avengers Maria Hill Friends From College Lisa Turner Safe Haven Jo 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 after Never Go Back hinges on Turner's character and the secrets that she keeps.

Aldis Hodge as Captain Espin

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Active Since: 1995

Actor: Aldis Hodge is an American actor from Onslow County, North Carolina, who first appeared in the Bruce Willis action flick Die 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.

Notable Movies & TV Shows

Project Role Leverage Alec Hardison Black Adam Hawkman One Night In Miami Jim Brown Straight Outta Compton MC Ren 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 in Iron Fist. She also appeared as Erin Silver on the long-running 90210.

Holt McCallany as Colonel Sam Morgan: NYC's McCallany is most famous for playing FBI Special Agent Bill Tench on Netflix's beloved Mindhunter show. Since then, he's appeared in The Iron Claw, Wrath of Man, and Nightmare Alley.

Robert Knepper as James Harkness: Knepper broke out in TV's Prison Break as the popular villain T-Bag. From there, he appeared in Heroes, iZombie, and Twin Peaks.

Patrick Heusinger as The Hunter: After rising to prominence in Gossip Girl, Heusinger has also featured in hit shows such as Girlfriends' Guide To Divorce and Casual. Beyond Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Heusinger's movie credits include Black Swan and A Beautiful Now.