Amazon Prime Video’sReacherseason 4 is undergoing a major casting change just days after filming in Philadelphia.Production forReacherseason 4began earlier this month, soon after series lead Alan Ritchson confirmed whichJack Reachernovel would be tapped for the latest TV adaptation. As an anthology series with nearly 30 books to choose from,Reacherfollows its elite ex-military titular protagonist as he travels around the country with only the contents in his pockets, getting involved in various conspiracies, revenge stories, and the like.
PerDeadline, Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette has replaced Jay Baruchel asReacherseason 4’s new supporting character, Jacob Merrick. Baruchel reportedly left the production to “attend to a personal matter.” Rodriguez-Marquette is best known for hisrole as Chris Lucado in HBO’s Emmy-winning dark comedy seriesBarry. He joins aReacherseason 4 castled by recurring stars Alan Ritchson and Maria Sten, and a new slate of supporting actors that includes Sydelle Noel, Agnez Mo, Anggun, Kevin Corrigan, Kevin Weisman, Marc Blucas, and Kathleen Robertson.Reacherseason 4 will adapt theLee Child novelGone Tomorrow.
What Jay Baruchel’s Abrupt Exit Means For Reacher Season 4
Rodriguez-Marquette Is Expected Now To Have A Large Supporting Role
Baruchel was one of, if not the, most exciting new additions toReacherseason 4 before his unexpected exit. The actor rose to prominence in the classic 2000 coming-of-age movieAlmost Famousbefore starring in Clint Eastwood’s 2004 Best Picture winnerMillion Dollar Babyand the beloved animated filmHow to Train Your Dragon. He’s also known for his roles in celebrated comedy movies such asTropic Thunder,This is the End, andGoon. Recently, he starred in the critically acclaimed docudrama filmBlackBerry. There’s no question thathis inclusion inReacherseason 4 would have been significant, especially given his role as Jacob Merrick.
Jacob Merrick is based on theGone Tomorrowcharacter Jacob Mark, who encounters Reacher in New York City after a violent and deadly situation on a late-night subway car. In the interest of avoiding any book spoilers, Jacob plays a key supporting role inGone Tomorrow, which suggests the character will be getting plenty of screen time inReacherseason 4.
Barryseason 1 and has also appeared inHouse,Weeds, andMozart in the Jungle.
It appears as though Baruchel’s hands were tied, and he was forced to attend to the aforementioned unknown personal matter.Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette appeared in several episodes ofBarryseason 1 and has also appeared inHouse,Weeds, andMozart in the Jungle.
Our Take On Reacher Season 4’s Sudden Recasting
Ritchson & Santora Will Likely Still Make Another Hit Season
Baruchel’s exit fromReacherseason 4 is disappointing but understandable due to the circumstances. He’s a great actor who can play both comedic and dramatic roles, which would have made for a fun dynamic between him and Alan Ritchson’s protagonist. The role ofJacob Merrick should be a great, and potentially breakout, opportunity for Rodriguez-Marquette, considering howReachercontinues to dominate global streaming charts on Amazon Prime Videomonths after its most recent season was released.Gone Tomorrowis one of the strongest available Lee Child novels to source from and is in good hands withReachershowrunner Nick Santora.
