(Image credit: and Alan Ritchson in Amazon Prime Video)
The conclusion of Reacher season 3 delivered the intense drama fans craved, but filming its climactic fight scene was as intense as it appeared. The star of the show, Alan Ritchson (Reacher), revealed that he was knocked out cold during the intense confrontation.
Before we proceed, a word of caution: this article contains major spoilers for the Reacher season 3 finale. Be sure you’re caught up before diving in.
In the eighth episode, Reacher squares off against Beck’s towering 7 ft 2in bodyguard, Paulie, leading to a massive fight across a barn, a toolshed, and even the ocean. Learn more about the scene in our detailed Reacher season 3 ending explained. Filming this sequence left Ritchson as battered in reality as he appears on screen.
Ritchson described the experience to Entertainment Weekly: “I was lifted up, and after rehearsing a few camera shots, I was slammed so hard through a table that I went ‘through it into the seventh circle of hell.’ I awoke a day and a half later. I had to reassure my kids on set that I was okay, despite it being the worst few minutes of my life.”
Despite sustaining injuries, Ritchson was adamant about not using a stuntman during the fight scene, which took three weeks to shoot. “There were suggestions about using a stuntman due to safety concerns, but I wanted the camera focused on my face as I was thrown through the table,” he asserted.
This scene marks a rare moment where Reacher faces defeat, though he ultimately prevails. Ritchson emphasized to GamesRadar+ the importance of showing Reacher’s vulnerabilities: “If [Reacher] appears too superhuman or indestructible, it loses its entertainment value.”
Reacher seasons 1-3 are fully available on Prime Video, and season 4 is on its way. For more content, explore our curated list of the best shows on Prime Video and anticipate new series coming in 2025 and beyond.