Can you be a Christian and play a sinful character on TV?
“Reacher” star Alan Ritchson says it’s certainly possible, and he’s upset with “so-called Christians” who have a problem with him taking on a “morally ambiguous” role.
“It’s funny how many people criticize me, especially so-called Christians, who criticize me for playing Reacher. As if the only television that should exist is watching people silently fold their hands in the pews of a church. I mean, what kind of stories are we supposed to tell? “Ritchson said in a Youtube video published on January 7.
The religion of Alan Ritchson
In speaking to Christians, Ritchson was speaking to his own crowd.
The 41-year-old actor identifies as Christian and shares his ideas about his faith on social media and in interviews.
In August, Ritchson posted a video on Instagram in which he criticized a Satanist for mocking the power of prayer.
“The purpose of prayer is to build a relationship with this all-powerful and omniscient deity who desires to interfere in our lives,” he said, according to Movie Guide. “I pray all the time that God will intervene in my life in a way that aligns the path I am on with His will.”
Ritchson will appear in upcoming religious film “Ordinary angels » alongside Hilary Swank.
During an April 2023 event with the cast of “Ordinary Angels,” Ritchson described religious entertainment as a form of evangelism, according to Christian titles.
“If that’s where the pulpit is for people who wouldn’t normally set foot in a church, then it’s still a great way to have that conversation,” he said. “It’s important that these films are supported.”
What is “Reacher” about?
“Reacher” is a very different project from “Ordinary Angels”. The Amazon Prime Video series, based on a series of books by Lee Child, follows a retired army major as he wanders aimlessly across the country and inevitably falls into trouble.
Ritchson plays the main character, Jack Reacher, who is very tall, very muscular and very willing to punch anyone who bothers him.
In the first five minutes of the second season’s first episode, he interrupts a carjacking by ripping the gun out of the attacker’s hand, then slamming the guy’s head against the car until he’s unconscious on the ground.
Is Jack Reacher a good guy?
In the January 7 video, Ritchson addresses concerns raised by some Christian viewers of the series regarding the character of Jack Reacher. He tries to explain why he feels comfortable playing a morally ambiguous character.
“God is absolutely not afraid to tell the story of who he is through less than morally ambiguous characters, sometimes through pure evil. … I think it’s laughable when people criticize me for playing characters who aren’t saintly,” Ritchson said.
He added that “Reacher” can get people thinking and talking about faith, just like religious entertainment can.
“I think we can start conversations and reach people through these media in a way that I think is pleasing to God,” he said.
Serinda Swan, from left, Alan Ritchson, Shaun Sipos and Maria Sten pose for a portrait to promote the television series “Reacher,” Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Toronto.
Arthur Mola, Invision via Associated Press
What else has Alan Ritchson been involved in?
In addition to seasons one and two of “Reacher,” Ritchson appeared in “Fast X,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” according to BDIM.
“Ordinary Angeles” is scheduled to be released on February 23, 2024.
