‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Takes on New Sci-Fi Thriller 'War Machine'

Alan Ritchson’s latest film, ‘War Machine’, has officially started filming in Australia. The ‘Reacher’ star plays an Army Ranger undergoing a tough selection process in this sci-fi thriller, directed, co-written, and produced by Patrick Hughes (‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’). Ritchson will star alongside a talented cast including Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Jai Courtney, Esai Morales, and Australian actors Blake Richardson, Keiynan Lonsdale, and Daniel Webber, according to Variety.

Filming is taking place in locations like Bright, Myrtleford, Melbourne, and Docklands Studios, continuing until December, with additional scenes set to be shot in New Zealand. The production is expected to significantly boost the local economy, creating around 2,100 jobs and contributing an estimated A$43 million (roughly $49 million) to Victoria’s economy. The Victorian Government, through VicScreen's Victorian Screen Initiative, is backing the project, highlighting its cultural and economic value.

Image Courtesy: People

‘War Machine’ marks the first production from Hughes' new company, Huge Film. While plot details are scarce, Quaid and Morales will portray commanding officers, with Ritchson and his fellow cast members playing Rangers on a demanding mission. The film will be released theatrically in Australia through Roadshow Films and will eventually stream globally on Netflix.

Ritchson, whose career skyrocketed with his role in ‘Reacher’, has been busy with projects like ‘Playdate’ alongside Kevin James and filming for ‘Reacher’ Season 3. His co-stars have also been active: Quaid recently portrayed Ronald Reagan in ‘Reagan’ and appeared in ‘The Substance’, with upcoming roles in ‘Sovereign’; Stephan James starred in the adaptation of ‘The Piano Lesson’, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival; Jai Courtney is set to appear in Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’; and Esai Morales will return as a villain in ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ next year.

–Farheen Ali