TOM Cruise has been replaced by a ‘taller actor’ as Amazon Prime snaps up the Jack Reacher TV series.
The A-list actor starred in the movie adaptation of the Lee Child book series in 2012 as well as its 2016 sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.
But it looks like Tom, 57, won't be going back to the role, as author Lee regained the rights to his work and has spent the last few years approaching various networks to adapt his 24-strong Jack Reacher books into a TV series with a different actor who better resembles the character.
In the novels, the former military police major stands at 6ft 5inch while Tom is only 5ft 7inch tall.
Lee has previously stated he felt Tom was too short for the role, telling the BBC: "Cruise, for all his talent, didn’t have that physicality.
“I really enjoyed working with Cruise. He’s a really, really nice guy. We had a lot of fun.
"But ultimately, the readers are right. The size of Reacher is really, really important, and it’s a big component of who he is . . . the idea is that when Reacher walks into a room, you’re all a little nervous just for that first minute.”
Amazon won the rights to the Jack Reacher series last year, and according to TVLine, it has now announced it has officially placed an order for a series.
Season one will be based on the first Jack Reacher novel released in 1997, The Killing Floor.
Nick Santora has signed up as writer and showrunner and he said in a statement: "Lee Child has created an incredible character and world.
"It will be the goal of every writer, producer, actor, executive and crew member to capture the essence of Mr. Child’s books – and luckily Lee has been there, and will continue to be there, to help guide us along the way in this series. He is the pulse of Reacher.”
Lee added: "It’s been great so far, but really, the fun starts here.
"By now I know these guys, and Reacher is in the perfect hands, believe me.”
Meanwhile Amazon boss Jennifer Salke said at the Television Critics Association winter press tour: "Lee Child’s Jack Reacher book series is a global phenomenon with one of entertainment’s most well-known heroes, and a perfect fit for Amazon Studios’ slate of bold, character-driven series.
"We look forward to expanding the of the Jack Reacher universe and bringing more thrilling action to our Amazon Prime Video audience.”
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